Rest
Summer is here, bringing us warm weather, school recess, beach trips and family vacations. On one hand, it might be a season where we automatically look for ways to rest and relax. We take a few days off of work for a mini trip; we give into an afternoon nap in the summer heat; we let the kids run around at the beach while we read another chapter in our latest novel. On the other hand, summer can easily get filled up with so many activities, responsibilities, and extras, that we miss rest altogether. Maybe summer is the perfect opportunity to revisit what God says about rest and how we can intentionally make it part of our weekly rhythms.
First, in the very first book of the Bible we are told that after God spent six days creating the world, He rested on the seventh day. In fact, later in the Old Testament, Moses gives us the ten commandments and he says that we are to honor the Sabbath, observing a day of rest, just as God rested. The very God who does not require sleep or slumber modelled rest for us. Just as the creatures and the humans He created are good, rest is good. In fact, Jesus tells us in Mark 2:27 that the Sabbath was not made as a law we must be a slave to, but for the benefit of humans.
So how does rest benefit us? For one thing, rest reminds us of our human limitations. Just as we need nightly rest for our bodies to recharge and renew, we have a finite number of hours in a day, a finite level of energy to draw from, a maximum capacity for work and relationships and productivity. Even when we can do more, those of us who push the limits of our body's need for rest often suffer physical consequences including health issues, mental challenges, and burnout. Rest resets us, refills us, and renews us.
Rest also breaks us away from the idols, including the idols of busyness and productivity. In our culture, we can become slaves to the idea that we create our worth through what we do and how much we achieve. Without realizing it, in fact, our frenetic pace and overstuffed to-do list can be a sign that we've put ourselves in the place of God, believing that WE are meant to control, fix, and save ourselves and others. When we choose to rest, we are trusting that God is able to work without our effort. Jesus is the Savior of the world, and we don't have to do it all. In rest we choose to reject the world's lie that we have to do more to be loved, and we embrace that we are God's beloved children simply because He says we are. In rest, we affirm God's promise that we will never be more or less loved than we are right now.
Rest not only turns us away from idols, it helps us to slow down long enough to notice and worship God. We see reminders of God around us that we would otherwise miss. We tell God that He is a priority to us. Our rest becomes part of our praise as we trust God's way above our own and obey Him. This turning towards God is good for our souls, because it realigns us with His heart. In rest and worship we recover our purpose, to enjoy God and to love Him and love others well.
Rather than viewing rest as a depressing duty, Sabbath is God's invitation for us to remember what brings us joy and renewal. Sabbath becomes legalistic if we view it as a day or a time when we have a list of things we can't do. Instead, allow God to show you how He designed YOU to rest. Perhaps this means recovering a sense of play. What brings you joy? What fills you up? When do you feel most alive? If hiking resets you, that might be part of your rest. If painting, making music, or gardening fills you up, rest by doing those things. Imagine that God is doing those things with you. Allow yourself to slow down to notice His presence.
Next, look at your schedule and set aside time for your rest. For some, taking a Sabbath day on Sunday isn't practical. Perhaps your work or parenting schedule doesn't allow you to take a full day "off" for Sabbath. Don't let that trip you up. Offer God an intentional time each week that you will rest, even if you can only start with an hour or two. Just stick with it, and see what God does. Remember, rest is not selfish or impractical- it is life-giving and it is part of our praise to God.
Questions & Challenges:
What things bring you joy? Make a list of 5-10 things and try enjoying something from this list as part of your Sabbath routine.
How does God's command to rest make you feel? Irritable? Overwhelmed? Peaceful? Guilty? Bring that feeling to God and let Him show you His design for you in rest.
What are the biggest obstacles to you taking rest? (i.e. Mental hurdles, you need a babysitter, etc.) Make a list, and ask God to help take care of the things that seem to stand in your way.
Look at your calendar for the next month. Plan a little time each week where you can take a break, recharge, and notice God's presence.
Scripture Resources:
Isaiah 58:13-14
Isaiah 30:15-18
Genesis 2:2-3
Mark 2:27
Hebrews 4:1-9
Matthew 11:28-29
Matthew 12:1-12
Mark 2:23-28
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