God cares about your well-being, and a big part of that well-being is getting enough rest.
We live in an increasingly busy world. Going to school, going to work, spending time with family and friends, finding time for extracurriculars—the more we juggle, the harder it can be to slow down and rest. We tell ourselves we can get through whatever life throws our way ... but rest is something we all desperately need. And Jesus modeled some of the best ways for us to find it.
The Reality of Rest
When's the last time you felt fully rested? Maybe I caught you at a good time and you're on vacation right now, but I'm willing to bet that, for most of us, we wish we had more rest than what we're getting.
God understands the importance of rest. And I'm not just talking about Jesus' need for sleep while he was here on earth. God, at the beginning of the second chapter in the entire Bible, took time to rest after, you know, creating the entire universe:
God’s Example of Rest
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 He'd done.
What Are We Supposed to Take From This?
What are we supposed to take from God resting? Did the all-powerful creator God of the entire universe really need a nap? What about passages like Isaiah 40, that say God never gets tired and weary?
More than likely, God's decision to rest on the seventh day wasn't about him personally needing rest. Instead that choice was about us—God showing us by example how good it is to rest.
This isn't the only time the topic of rest comes up in the Old Testament. When God gave the law to Moses and his people, rest was so important, God included it there as well. One of the Ten Commandments says:
The Command to 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, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
Rest Is for Everyone
In these verses, God makes it clear that rest isn't just a luxury for the wealthy or powerful. Rest is for every person.
And God didn't stop with people. There weren't just Sabbath days, but Sabbath years as well. Sabbath years occurred every seven years, they were for the land—a time of peace where the fields were able to rest from the work of the previous six years. In God's eyes, rest isn't just for people, but for all of His creation.
Jesus Modeled Rest
In the New Testament, we see Jesus practice Sabbath and rest repeatedly. He went to temple and worshipped with his family. He also took breaks from teaching His followers and went off on his own, to desolate places. It was there, on his own in the wilderness, that Jesus was able to rest, recuperate, and spend the time that he needed with his Father to continue doing His work on earth.
So what does it look like for us to practice rest in the midst of our busy lives? And how will these practices bring us closer to Jesus?
Three Practices That Help Us Rest
Sabbath
The first is, simply, Sabbath.
If the practice of Sabbath is new to you, it might feel a little intimidating—letting go of in exchange for doing just , and trusting that God will being care for you in spite of your lack of doing, is a big step.
But by setting aside time for God and the people you love, and practicing restful activities like going on a walk, taking part in a hobby, or having a conversation with a friend, you will increasingly find yourself free from the busyness which so often rules our lives, and better able to appreciate the good things God's given you.
Here's what Jesus said about the Sabbath.
Slowing
If you don't think Sabbath is enough to push back against the busyness in your life, the practice of slowing could be the solution you need. Practicing slowing means taking part in activities which force you to slow down throughout the week.
This could mean choosing to speak, eat, or drive more slowly. It could also mean placing buffers of time throughout your day, to ensure you're never running from one thing to the next.
Jesus moved at a slow pace throughout His ministry—we never see him hurry or rush. When we live at his pace, we find ourselves better able to connect with him throughout the day.
Silence & Solitude
Just as Jesus frequently spent time by himself in order to recuperate and connect with His Father, we can do the same.
This practice involves taking a break from your day-to-day life, but instead of filling up your time off with things to do and people to see, you spend time by yourself, with God.
This time on your own can last a few hours or several days, depending on what works best for you and your season of life. And while you're spending time in solitude, use some of that time to sit or walk in silence, in the presence of God.
Freeing yourself from the distractions of chaos and noise will bring you rest and help you be more attentive to the voice of Jesus.
Why This Matters
God cares about your well-being, and a big part of that well-being is getting enough rest. Finding it isn't always easy, especially if your life is busy.
But when you make rest a priority, you'll find yourself better prepared for life, and closer to your Father.