Boundless Daily: Unplugging with Jesus

Do you ever feel like your brain has too many tabs open?

We live in a world that never sleeps. Between the notifications on our phones, the demands of work, and the weight of family responsibilities, the "off" switch can feel impossible to find. We are the most connected generation in history, yet we often feel the most drained.

In this edition of Boundless Daily, we are looking at a gift that many of us have forgotten how to open: The Gift of Rest.

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that rest isn't just a physical necessity. It is a spiritual discipline. It is an act of trust. When we "unplug" from the world to "plug in" to the presence of Jesus, we aren't just taking a break. We are acknowledging that God is in control and we are not.

The Myth of Constant Productivity

We often wear our busyness like a badge of honor. If we aren't doing something, we feel like we’re falling behind. This is especially true for our global community: those of you working the late shifts, caregivers looking after loved ones, or those living in high-pressure environments.

But the Bible offers a different perspective.

In the very beginning, God established a rhythm. He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. He didn’t rest because He was tired; He rested to set a pattern for us. He sanctified rest.

The Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths remind us that the Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and conduct. When the Word tells us to rest, it isn’t a suggestion. It’s a design specification for the human soul.

Jesus: The Master of the "Lonely Place"

If anyone had a reason to be busy, it was Jesus. He had a world to save, sick people to heal, and disciples to train. His "to-do" list was eternal.

Yet, we see a recurring pattern in His ministry.

Mark 1:35 tells us, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

Jesus understood that to pour out, He had to be filled up. He frequently withdrew from the crowds, the noise, and even His closest friends to be alone with the Father. He unplugged from the demands of the world to reconnect with the source of His strength.

If the Son of God needed to unplug, why do we think we can skip it?

Rest as an Act of Faith

Why is it so hard to stop? Often, it’s because of fear.

We fear that if we stop working, the money won't come in. We fear that if we aren't "available" 24/7, we will miss an opportunity. We fear that if we sit in the silence, we might have to face thoughts we’ve been trying to outrun.

Unplugging with Jesus is an act of faith. It is saying, "Lord, I trust that the world will keep turning even if I’m not the one pushing it."

This aligns deeply with our belief in Christ-centered salvation. We aren't saved by our works or our hustle. We are saved by His finished work. When we rest, we celebrate that grace. We acknowledge that our value comes from who we are in Him, not what we produce for the world.

Practical Ways to Unplug

"Unplugging" sounds great in theory, but how do we do it when life is loud?

We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, so we love technology. But we also know that technology needs boundaries. Here are a few ways to start:

1. The "Digital Sabbath" Pick one hour a day: or one day a month: to turn off your phone. Put it in a drawer. Let the silence be a space for God to speak.

2. Scheduled Solitude You schedule your meetings and doctor appointments. Why not schedule fifteen minutes with Jesus? Use that time for prayer and worship rather than scrolling through news feeds.

3. Walk and Talk Sometimes the best way to unplug from the screen is to plug into creation. Go for a walk. Don’t listen to a podcast or music. Just talk to Jesus like He’s walking right next to you.

Rest for the Weary Soul

We know many of you reading this are in seasons where "rest" feels like a luxury you can’t afford.

Maybe you are a parent of young children, and "unplugging" feels impossible. Maybe you are a shift worker whose body clock is constantly fighting the sun. Maybe you are in a part of the world where safety is a concern, and your mind is always on high alert.

To you, Jesus says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

This isn't just about sleep. It’s about Shalom: the deep, soul-level peace that only the Holy Spirit can provide. Even in the middle of a chaotic shift or a difficult day of caregiving, you can find a "lonely place" in your heart where you and Jesus meet.

If you are struggling to find that peace, our Bible Study Club is a great place to find community and encouragement. You don't have to carry the weight alone.

Healing through Rest

One of the 16 Fundamental Truths we hold dear is Divine Healing. While we believe in the miraculous power of God to heal the body, we also recognize that God often uses the natural process of rest to facilitate emotional and physical restoration.

When we unplug, we give our nervous systems a chance to reset. We give our minds a chance to heal from the trauma of constant information overload. In the stillness, God often does His deepest work. He mends the broken places in our hearts that the noise of the world usually hides.

Your Next Step

Rest is a gift, but you have to choose to receive it.

What is one thing you can "unplug" from today to make room for Jesus?

Maybe it’s turning off the TV thirty minutes earlier to read the Word. Maybe it’s deleting an app that causes you anxiety. Whatever it is, know that Jesus is waiting for you in that quiet space. He isn't disappointed that you're tired. He’s inviting you to lean on Him.

If you’re new here and wondering how to start this journey of faith, visit our Welcome Center. We’d love to help you take that first step.

We are here to walk with you. Whether you are seeking a deeper relationship with God or just looking for a place to belong, you are welcome at Boundless Online Church.

Let’s commit this week to finding those small moments to unplug. Let’s trade our "always-on" anxiety for the "always-present" peace of Jesus.

How can we pray for you as you seek rest this week? Reach out and let us know.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.