In the modern age, rest is elusive. People treat it like a new and curious concept. But a simple reading of the Bible’s teaching shows something different. Thousands of years ago, God decided it to be necessary to command us to rest. From the beginning, He knew we would need it.
In the story of creation, God sets an example for us by not creating on the last day of the week but resting. When giving the Ten Commandments, the fourth is to observe the Sabbath by not laboring on it. Fast-forward to the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament and we’re taught that our earthly rest is a sign of our eternal rest that all believers will receive.
Why do we need the teaching and commandments about rest? Because we’re a restless people. We gain our self- worth from the achievements of our labor. Lives are measured by hard-fought victories in business and hobbies. Our hopes are tied up in what we can accomplish for ourselves. Everything that the world says will give your life meaning is strapped to the busyness of endless labor.
Everything that the world says will give your life meaning is strapped to the busyness of endless labor. Resting in the Lord and His provisions is the antidote to a life that is never satisfied.
Philip Nation
Resting in the Lord and His provisions is the antidote to a life that is never satisfied. Let me give you a few principles to use as you learn to rest:
It’s a spiritual discipline: If all you do is take a nap, it isn’t a bad thing. But press further into this act. Rest as a spiritual act in which you say that you trust God beyond what you can accomplish for yourself. It requires discipline on your part to stop your mind from spinning on about what needs to be done next. In resting, focus on God and your relationships rather than on your task list.
It requires faith: This is especially true because our lives are so tied to the work that earns a paycheck. Laying down the tools, shutting down the computer, and walking away from the project for a day is an act of faith. Rather than trying to earn, we sit down in order to receive. For a restless people focused on achieving a reputation and a salary, resting requires faith.
It’s an art: Resting is more art than science. It’s a spiritual act that requires more than just lying down for a nap or hanging out with friends. The spiritual discipline means that you intentionally separate yourself from the emotional tie to labor. In this, you’ll have to paint on a new canvas for your soul’s sake. Rest by attending worship with the church, hanging out with your family, and spending time with other believers. Rest requires an artful touch from our lives.
Don’t cease your activity: Rest can mean lying in a hammock but it doesn’t require that you remain completely still for a day. Rest has to do with walking away from the industry that the world offers up as our means of existence. Your work isn’t your life, your identity, or your eternal hope. Jesus is. Rest is found in the enjoyment of our faith, people, creation, and activities that enlarge our joy. As you rest, live for what lasts.
Completely cease your activity: On the other hand, some of us just need to stop everything. If you find yourself constantly in motion, then you do need to simply take a nap. Still your mind by focusing on the Word. Set aside a day (or days) when you do nothing for work, nothing with chores, and nothing that requires physical exertion. Forcing your body and mind to rest will allow your soul to focus on where we gain our true rest.
Enjoy God without any agenda: The spiritual discipline of rest is more than a mental health break from the world’s rat race. It’s a focused time to enjoy and invest in our relationship with God. The world offers endless distractions and temptations. God offers Himself. Make your time of rest time for the Lord.
Find your rest in Christ and allow it to remind you of what’s still to come.
This article is adapted from HomeLife Magazine.