Daily Rebellionનમૂનો

Day 2: Where the Rebellion Began

My journey into soul care began in the most unexpected way—at a silent prayer retreat in Waupaca, Wisconsin. I didn’t go looking for a life-changing moment; I was simply honoring a friend’s invitation. But that weekend became the birthplace of my rebellion—a rebellion against the hurried, noisy, and overextended way of living I had accepted as “normal.”

When we arrived late Sunday night, I learned the rules: no talking, no phones, no choosing your own seat at meals or teachings. At first, it felt strange—even unnecessary. But by the time I walked into the dining hall the next morning and saw everyone moving slowly, eyes lowered, something inside me shifted. For three days, I joined them—slowing my pace, lowering my gaze, and noticing things I had been rushing past for years.

At first, it was awkward. I bumped into furniture. My mind wandered. I felt the itch to check my phone. But slowly, stillness began to work on me. My thoughts cleared. My shoulders relaxed. My anxiety lifted. And most importantly, my heart became attuned to the quiet, steady voice of God. That retreat was more than silence—it was a reminder that I had a soul, and my soul was starving for this kind of space.

Jesus spoke directly to that need when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Rest isn’t a bonus for when you’ve earned it—it’s an open invitation from the One who knows what your inner life needs most.

The Bible takes our souls seriously. Jesus warned, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26, KJV). You can win in every category the world measures—money, influence, success—and still lose the very essence of who you are. That’s why He also told His followers, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28, NIV). Your soul is eternal, precious, and central to your identity. It’s worth protecting at all costs.

And Jesus didn’t just talk about soul care—He modeled it. He stepped away from crowds. He made space to pray. He practiced Sabbath, reminding His followers, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, NIV). He knew that loving others well requires first being present with His Father. If the Son of God needed to pause, how much more do we?

Pressing pause isn’t laziness. It’s not weakness. It’s a declaration of trust. It’s saying, “God, I believe You are in control, so I can stop for a moment and be with You.” That’s where the rebellion begins—not in grand gestures, but in small, quiet acts of defiance against the chaos that tries to own us.

Today, take your first step into that rebellion. Pause long enough to be aware of God’s presence. Lower your gaze, slow your pace, and let your soul breathe.

Reflection:
When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice what was happening in your own soul? What would it look like to give yourself permission to do that today?