Page 11 - January 2026 - Truth & Tidings

and renewal. This is not confined to one apart, we will come apart!”
day of the week but should be our ongo- The Rest of Relationships
ing experience. The need for true spiritual
rest is far-reaching and touches the vital There was more than steam rising in the
parts of our lives. Here are four key areas kitchen as Martha was busily preparing
in our need for rest. the meal for her guests. Her frustration
The Rest of Worship and anger were boiling over as well. But
the Lord’s tender words to her didn’t criti-
Our work short-circuits worship many cize her labors but gently reminded her
times. We’re driven to produce. We fill of the priority and value of relationships.
up our schedules, leaving us exhausted We should be careful not to become “hu-
at the end of the day. We try to read man doings.” One young fellow asked his
and pray, but we’re overwhelmed with mother, “Why doesn’t Dad ever go camp-
fatigue. The pace of life and the difficul-
ties that surround us take their toll, and ing or fishing? All he does is work.” Sad,
our relationship with the Lord becomes isn’t it? I would assume that the Israelites
strained and distant. The psalmist gives enjoyed family life and fellowship with
us a timely and pressing exhortation: others on their weekly Sabbath.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psa The Rest of Inactivity
46:10). In the midst of “trouble and fears This is the “hard one,” for we feel guilty
and mountains shaking,” he discovered if we’re not doing something. The moment
the wonderful reality of a God of refuge we hear the ping or feel the vibration, we
and strength. Although the psalm looks to grab our phones and engage in virtual
a future day, we can presently enjoy the dialogue. Our drive for constant connec-
peace of His presence and power, and bow tion takes its toll. The Lord mandated an
with worship and adoration as we quiet antidote for this. The Sabbath required all
ourselves before Him. usual work to stop. Even picking up sticks
The Rest of Renewal was forbidden. It was not a call to laziness
The days had been busy as the disciples but for “re-creation” – a time to appreciate
came back with the report of their labors. and enjoy all the varied blessings of our
But the crowds were still pressing in upon God. We are commanded to do the same
them, and there was no place of quietness. – the purposeful unplugging from all the
Graciously, the Lord said, “Come … apart usual distractions that demand our time
... and rest a while” (Mar 6:31 KJV). There and energy.
are times when we need to simply stop for
a time of renewal. This is more than taking Needless to say, this isn’t easy. These
a vacation, for there are times when we specific types of rest must be pursued.
head out for a holiday and return more They will not come to us naturally. We
exhausted than when we started! The need a determined mind and a disciplined
Sabbath was designed to break the cycle spirit to find the true rest we need for
of work and allow a time to refocus and worship and for service. Isaiah reminds
experience refreshment. Continuous work us, “In quietness and confidence shall be
without a break leads to declining produc- your strength” (30:15). So, slow down.
tivity, physical weariness and a burdened Unplug your phone. Breathe heaven’s air
spirit. It has been said, “If we don’t come – and enjoy His rest.

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