Now that the holidays are over, are you feeling bedraggled and worn out? Have the post-holiday blahs set in? Too tired to even take down and put away the decorations for next year? Maybe you’ll just leave them up. That way you save time, right?

Maybe now is a good time for a faith recharge –– a tune-up, if you will. Jesus had a lot to say about rest including these verses in Matthew 11:28-29, ones you may have heard before, but which offer much more than a simple nap.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-29

This next part may not seem as if it belongs in a post about rest, but I think part of why we feel so run-down sometimes is that we lose our purpose. Before Christmas we have lists a mile long we must accomplish by December 25th. After January 1st, our purpose may seem non-existent, but it isn’t. All of us are here for a purpose – the same one expressed about Jesus in this passage from Luke.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Luke 19:10 NIV

Jesus takes our pre-Christian selves, pulls us out of the world, forgives our sins, cleans us up, teaches us to love, then sends us back to be salt, light, yeast, and seed for those left in the darkness. We are to season those around us with the truth as the Bible teaches it. We are to spread our light to dispel the darkness, share hope, and extend compassion. We are to act as yeast by expanding the good news of Christ and affecting those around us, and as seed by rooting ourselves in Christ and bearing fruit as well as planting the seed in others who, we hope, will also bear fruit.

We have no way of knowing which person in our circle or sphere of influence is the one we are to tell about the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and how that relates to that person’s life. That’s why we have to live a life that reflects Christ at all times.

But what if we’re so worn out, we can’t get our light to stay lit? That’s when we have to make an appointment with the Master Repairman. Spend some time with Jesus – in prayer, in the Word, in nature, in silence, in music, in worship. Where ever you connect with Him best. Ask Him to do a major restoration of your soul. The overhaul might seem pricey. It may cost you time you don’t feel you have, or the money to get away for a while. It may cost you the courage to let down your guard and really open up to the words He speaks to your heart. There may be other costs, hidden ones, like letting go of your pride, judgement, or anger.

Don’t give in to temptation and go to a cheaper repair shop. Those self-help gurus, or tv talk shows, or even your friends can’t approach the quality of work you get at the Brand Name Shop. This isn’t an instance where you want to go generic. Only Jesus himself can fully restore your inner beauty, refill your hope, recharge your joy, and top off your love. Entrust your most precious possession – your life – to the very best. The one who was willing to die in your place. The one who already paid the highest price of all just so you would have the ability to seek restoration through Him. Oh, and by the way, when you get the bill, it will be stamped PAID IN FULL.