God Grants Rest

God Grants Rest

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

Can you remember the last time you rested—really rested—during the day? On Sundays we often spend time taking our family to church and visiting with friends. On holidays there is often a lot more “entertaining” than there is rest. Yet rest is a part of God’s design for us. It is not something we should push off but, rather, is a practice we need to embrace.

Easter Monday is another day off for many in the Amish community. It’s a day of buggy rides, spring picnics, and visiting family. It’s another day to contemplate Christ’s resurrection before rushing back into a busy life. You may not celebrate Easter Monday, but is there another day you could choose to rest? Maybe you can set aside an upcoming weekend. Or maybe you can use one of those “personal” days at work to sleep in, read a good book, and take a walk or a long bath.

I’ve noticed that when I’m pushing myself to constantly do more, I often accomplish less. My body doesn’t do well when I “just keep going.” I have no peace because my mind is weary too. Yet when I allow myself to have some downtime, I often come back to my tasks with renewed energy.

Taking time to rest is a way of saying that not everything in life is up to you. It’s remembering that God holds all things in the palm of His hand. He provides everything, yet our busy work puts our attention back on what we do instead of on what He’s done. As Job 11:18 says, “Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.”

When we rest, we are placing ourselves back in God’s hands and having hope in His provision. Won’t you set aside time to do that today?

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the rest You provide. Forgive me for the times I feel my busy work is accomplishing more. Thank You for giving me all that I have.