Jesus often went off to a solitary place. (Matt. 14:23)
Even the earth, creation, seems to rest for a season
We work hard to follow their examples when it comes to “doing”,
but somehow feel guilty when it comes to following their examples of resting.
Date night with the spouse but you constantly worry about
the kids with the babysitter. Taking a day or two (or more) off work and
constantly worrying about the mess piling up on your desk. An illness which has
you homebound or bedridden for a time. And retirement – you get to live your
life not strapped to someone else’s timeclock, yet some people feel guilty for
not having every day - jamb-packed days. Saying “no” to a committee you have
served on several terms already. Or simply laying in bed “longer than you
should”.
Why do we feel so guilty about resting? Because we see it as doing nothing. What does REST really mean? Here are a few of the
definitions I found in the dictionary. See what they bring to your mind:
A state or period of refreshing
freedom from exertion
The repose of sleep that is
refreshing to body and mind and is marked by a reduction in metabolic activity
Something used for support
To allow a person or animal to
regain energy by means of relaxation or sleep, or allow a limb or body part to
be inactive to restore its strength
A time of rest sounds like a necessary thing in order to
continue on with one’s life and living. Sounds essential. So let’s stop feeling
guilty when we take time to rest in between all the doing. Whether it’s a ten
minute break from your desk or a week away, God is in the business of
restoration while you are doing “nothing”.
- … be confident of this, that He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion… - Phil. 1:6
- I will refresh the weary and
satisfy the faint. – Jer. 31:25
- Be at rest once more, o my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. – Ps. 116: 7
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