Rest

Rest

My Question for God

Why is rest so important for me?

A Moment with God

The creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Genesis 2:1-3

[God said,] “It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.”

Exodus 31:17

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Psalm 23:1-3

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Psalm 127:2

Ours is an age of anxiety and stress because it is an age of perpetual motion. We take pride in explaining to each other how busy we are, and we feel guilty if we relax. God did not intend for his people to live in a state of frenzied activity. From his own example in Genesis to the promises of the New Testament, it is clear that God wants us to take time for rest and refreshment for our bodies and our souls. Why would the omnipotent God of the universe rest following his work of creation? Surely, it wasn’t because the Almighty was physically tired! The answer is that God, in ceasing from his work, called his rest “holy.” God knew that you would need to cease from your work to care for your physical and spiritual needs. Work is good, but it must be balanced by regular rest and attention to the health of your soul. Otherwise, you miss the divine moments God sends your way. Make sure to carve out regular times for worship and spiritual refreshment.

Divine Promise

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28