In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle
and bustle of life—whether it’s work, family, social media, or the endless
to-do lists that seem to occupy every moment of our days. But God, in His
wisdom and love for us, knew the importance of rest. From the very beginning,
He designed us to need periods of rest to recharge not only physically but
spiritually and emotionally as well.
The Sabbath: A Divine Command for Rest
The idea of rest has been woven into the fabric of God’s
plan since creation. In Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV), we read that after God created the
world, He rested on the seventh day:
"By the seventh day, God had finished the work He had been doing; so on
the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day
and made it holy because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He
had done."
This wasn’t because God was tired—He never grows weary
(Isaiah 40:28)—but rather, He was setting an example for us. Later, when God
gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, one of them was specifically about rest:
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and
do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it,
you shall not do any work…" (Exodus 20:8-10, NIV).
The Sabbath was not meant to be a burden but a gift. It was
a day for the Israelites to cease from their work, to worship, and to remember
their dependence on God. It was a reminder that their worth was not found in
their productivity but in being God’s chosen people.
What Does Rest Look Like Today?
While we are no longer under the Old Testament law to keep
the Sabbath in the same way the Israelites did, the principle of rest is still
relevant. Jesus emphasized this when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man,
not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, NIV). Rest is a gift from God to help us
reconnect with Him and recharge.
In today’s world, rest might look different for each of us.
For some, it may mean unplugging from social media, turning off our devices,
and creating quiet space to listen to God’s voice. For others, it could be
taking intentional time away from work to spend in prayer, reading Scripture,
or simply enjoying time with family.
Even in the busiest seasons, Jesus invites us to rest in
Him. He says in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV),
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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."
Rest Is a Trust in God’s Provision
One of the key reasons we often resist rest is fear. Fear
that we won’t get enough done, that we’ll fall behind, or that things will fall
apart without us. But God invites us to rest because it reminds us that He is
ultimately in control. When we rest, we demonstrate our trust in God’s ability
to sustain us, to provide for us, and to guide us.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV) beautifully says,
"Be still, and know that I am God."
This verse calls us to stop our striving and to be still,
recognizing that God is sovereign. In the stillness, we can better hear His
voice and feel His peace.
Finding Rest Even in the Busyness
You may be in a season where rest seems impossible. Yet, God
offers us rest even in the midst of life’s busiest moments. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
promises us,
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar
on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not
be faint."
Even when we feel overwhelmed, God renews our strength when
we turn to Him.
Practical Ways to Enter Into Rest
May this devotional remind us all that true rest isn’t just
about taking a break from the busyness of life, but about finding peace and
renewal in the presence of God. Rest is a gift He offers us—one that allows us
to reconnect with Him, be refreshed, and continue our journey with renewed
strength.