Have you ever read the Little Critter book “Just Go To Bed” by Mercer Mayer? Essentially, it is the heartwarming story featuring Little Critter and the all-to-familiar bedtime fiasco every parent endures when attempting to put their little ones to bed. From the moment Dad hollers, “Bedtime!” Little Critter finds excuse after excuse on why he isn’t quite ready to lay down for the night. First he’s too busy playing. Then he needs a bath. But wait! Now he needs a snack! Did he mention his stuffed animals were also hungry?! Finally, Dad momentarily loses his patience and yells, “JUST GO TO BED!” Little Critter begrudgingly climbs under the covers grumbling how he isn’t even tired. However, as Mom and Dad stand at his door gently wishing him good-night, he doesn’t even hear them, because he is already fast asleep.

Who does this story remind you of? I know who comes to my mind…ME!

God calls us to rest. We were not designed for never ending busyness, cram-packed schedules, or mile long to-do lists. This principle of rest is so important that our Heavenly Father sets the example right from the very beginning.

…and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he done in creation. Genesis 2:2-3

Jesus reinforced the importance of rest throughout his ministry on earth. He took a nap while on a boat (Mark 4:35-39). He retreated and took time to pray after ministry (Mark 6:30-32). Sometimes, Jesus even got a little “peopled-out” and needed a break from it all (Mark 7:24).

Now you might be thinking,”Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I need to clear a few things off my schedule, but I just have too much to do!” I get it! I really do!

Today as I was feeling overwhelmed with decisions and well…life in general, I took a few moments to quiet myself and pray (I’m ashamed to say, not always my first reaction). And you know what…God met me right where I was and revealed to my heart this little nugget.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He MAKES ME LIE DOWN in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

How many times have I heard that scripture? A couple handfuls? Hundreds? Thousands? It’s one of those childhood memory verses I’ve become so familiar with I don’t even pay attention to the words anymore. I can rattle it off from memory without ever reflecting on the words I’m reciting.

But today was different. Today God revealed to me that rest is not an option. ” He MAKES ME lie down in green pastures. Notice this verse is different from the other two surrounding verses that use the action of being “lead” beside still waters or “lead” in a path of righteousness.

CONCLUSION: We are no better than toddlers! You never have to put up a fight with a toddler if you tell them you are going to the park or taking them to the swimming pool. But boy, you mention nap time and a battle of the wills ensues!

It’s just the same with us! We don’t have a problem with God taking us for a nice little walk or a stroll down to the river. But man, do we put up a struggle when God tells us to rest!” He makes me lie down in green pastures…This scripture reminds us that rest is not optional though. He makes us lie down. And you know why, because just like parents, God knows what’s best for us. He knows we need rest. He knows we need quiet time and a time to refresh our soul.

So next time God is calling you to rest, listen to him. Don’t put up a fight. Just go to bed!