How incredible that we've never had more discretionary time on our hands, and
yet rest still seems terribly elusive to many.
Rest is as much an integral part of our DNA as image-bearers of God as our work. I often wondered why God rested when He completed His work of creation. It certainly wasn't because He was tired! Then, it occurred to me that there is more - much more - to God than what He creates, amazing as that is. Consequently, there is more - much more - to us than what we do, what we create. If it was important that God 'separates' Himself from His work, how much more it is important that we do the same?!!
Rest is as much an integral part of our DNA as image-bearers of God as our work. I often wondered why God rested when He completed His work of creation. It certainly wasn't because He was tired! Then, it occurred to me that there is more - much more - to God than what He creates, amazing as that is. Consequently, there is more - much more - to us than what we do, what we create. If it was important that God 'separates' Himself from His work, how much more it is important that we do the same?!!
This turns out to be harder than it appears. Our sense of worth is often tied up in our incessant, frantic activity. But, how much do we really accomplished of what really matters? And with everyone around us being so busy and stressed out, when we try to slow down, it feels it’s almost sin not
to be busy!
But, it’s not just all the external activity that keeps us
from experiencing rest. It’s all the
noise within… Quieting one’s
thoughts, one’s tumultuous emotions, even as everything on the outside is
peaceful and quiet can represent an impossible challenge. In fact, some people may find it positively
unbearable. With all this noise – both outside and inside – no wonder listening
has become a dying art.
Be still…
Relax…
Let go..
Cease striving…and
Know…
That
I AM
God. Psalm 46:10
Regular times and seasons of rest – daily, weekly, monthly,
yearly – are meant to help us restore our strength and endurance, renew our fraying perspective, re-create and bring into
harmony our internal and external existence.
They are also a steady reminder that God is God and we are not. Which we seem to forget on semi-regular
basis. At first, learning to slow down and stop may feel like slowing down a
runaway train. But, once the rhythms are
in place, it will become as natural as breathing.
Ways are endless in which we can separate ourselves from our
regular work, and enjoy the vast diversity of the world God created for our
enjoyment and enjoy the amazing Creator Himself. What works for me may not work for you. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow.
The point is that, each of us has a unique, God-designed way in which we need to come to Him and experience His rest and re-creational power in our lives. But, we must come to Him. For, it’s in Him that we find this rest… or rather, He Himself is our rest.
The point is that, each of us has a unique, God-designed way in which we need to come to Him and experience His rest and re-creational power in our lives. But, we must come to Him. For, it’s in Him that we find this rest… or rather, He Himself is our rest.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. For My yoke is easy and
My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Therefore
let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through
following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
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