Life is busy! That’s an understatement for most of us as we try to balance work commitments, school shuttles, medical appointments, holiday plans, plus a host of “unknowns.” Even technology upgrades our workload to an “anywhere” and “everywhere” activity. For believers, local church commitments are an additional factor. In fact, one man said, “I’m so busy that I hardly have time to breathe!” a comic exaggeration but a reminder of just how busy we can be. Along with the busyness is stress – rising prices, mortgage payments, family concerns – and so we have to keep “our nose to the grindstone” to keep above water. Sell out or be replaced.
Worse still is the fact that work has somehow come to define us. Despite our desire for rest, we almost boast about our busyness. It has become a badge of success and significance in our culture today; the busier we are, the more important we must be. No longer are purpose and meaning found in family and relationships but in achievements and wealth. So, the tension continues, and the rest that is so needful is only a distant, unattainable reality.
The Creator’s Rest
The first mention of “rest” in the Bible is found in Genesis 2:2 at the conclusion of God’s great work of creation. “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”1 Now God’s rest was not because of exhaustion and the need for a well-deserved break. Omnipotence knows nothing of fatigue and weariness. So why, then, did God rest from all His work? The creative acts were completed, but another dimension was brought into view. The rest allowed the Creator to pause and delight in all that He had declared to be “very good.” Man had been made “in His own image and likeness” (1:26-27), and the Creator revelled in His relationship with His creatures. This Sabbath day principle was established early in man’s history, and the truths reflected by heaven’s rest are vital for our blessing.
The Saviour’s Promised Rest
The Lord’s gracious invitation of Matthew 11:28 stands as one of the great promises of the Bible: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Millions over the centuries have found life, meaning and true rest in the Lord Jesus and His accomplishment on the cross. It is His work, His suffering, His payment for our sin that have satisfied God’s justice. But the Lord’s invitation goes further: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me … and you will find rest for your souls” (v29). While millions enjoy the rest of verse 28, many find the rest of verse 29 a bit more elusive. While enjoying the “spiritual rest” that comes from trusting Christ as Saviour, many still live burdened lives. So, what’s the solution?
Sabbath Principles
The Lord’s words regarding the Sabbath are pivotal, for “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mar 2:27). We are not under bondage to keep the Sabbath in its legal requirements (as Israel was), but the ultimate purpose of the Sabbath reveals a gift that God intended man to enjoy – to be a day of remembrance, reflection, refreshment and renewal. This is not confined to one day of the week but should be our ongoing experience. The need for true spiritual rest is far-reaching and touches the vital parts of our lives. Here are four key areas in our need for rest.
The Rest of Worship
Our work short-circuits worship many times. We’re driven to produce. We fill up our schedules, leaving us exhausted at the end of the day. We try to read and pray, but we’re overwhelmed with fatigue. The pace of life and the difficulties that surround us take their toll, and our relationship with the Lord becomes strained and distant. The psalmist gives us a timely and pressing exhortation: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psa 46:10). In the midst of “trouble and fears and mountains shaking,” he discovered the wonderful reality of a God of refuge and strength. Although the psalm looks to a future day, we can presently enjoy the peace of His presence and power, and bow with worship and adoration as we quiet ourselves before Him.
The Rest of Renewal
The days had been busy as the disciples came back with the report of their labors. But the crowds were still pressing in upon them, and there was no place of quietness. Graciously, the Lord said, “Come … apart … and rest a while” (Mar 6:31 KJV). There are times when we need to simply stop for a time of renewal. This is more than taking a vacation, for there are times when we head out for a holiday and return more exhausted than when we started! The Sabbath was designed to break the cycle of work and allow a time to refocus and experience refreshment. Continuous work without a break leads to declining productivity, physical weariness and a burdened spirit. It has been said, “If we don’t come apart, we will come apart!”
The Rest of Relationships
There was more than steam rising in the kitchen as Martha was busily preparing the meal for her guests. Her frustration and anger were boiling over as well. But the Lord’s tender words to her didn’t criticize her labors but gently reminded her of the priority and value of relationships. We should be careful not to become “human doings.” One young fellow asked his mother, “Why doesn’t Dad ever go camping or fishing? All he does is work.” Sad, isn’t it? I would assume that the Israelites enjoyed family life and fellowship with others on their weekly Sabbath.
The Rest of Inactivity
This is the “hard one,” for we feel guilty if we’re not doing something. The moment we hear the ping or feel the vibration, we grab our phones and engage in virtual dialogue. Our drive for constant connection takes its toll. The Lord mandated an antidote for this. The Sabbath required all usual work to stop. Even picking up sticks was forbidden. It was not a call to laziness but for “re-creation” – a time to appreciate and enjoy all the varied blessings of our God. We are commanded to do the same – the purposeful unplugging from all the usual distractions that demand our time and energy.
Needless to say, this isn’t easy. These specific types of rest must be pursued. They will not come to us naturally. We need a determined mind and a disciplined spirit to find the true rest we need for worship and for service. Isaiah reminds us, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (30:15). So, slow down. Unplug your phone. Breathe heaven’s air – and enjoy His rest.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.
