The Importance of Rest

What is it about the word “rest” that invokes both good and bad thoughts and feelings? When, logically, rest is an integral part of everything we see around us. We cannot deny the purpose it has within our lives, but how do we understand it’s place? Let’s break down three truths so we can begin to understand the importance of rest.
 
First, God rested to set an example for us from the beginning. The Trinity created the universe and mankind. Then, as the story continued to unfold in Genesis 2:1-3 they “rested from all their work” on the seventh day. From then on, every seventh day of the week was set aside for rest and considered “Holy.” God, himself, rested and set time aside for something besides work. Therefore, if we are created in His image and commanded to be the bearer of that image it makes sense that the desire and need for rest would be a part of us. We were created to live from rest and then work as a regular rhythm.

Secondly, after the fall, it became necessary for God to reach out and rebuild intimacy with us. As He set boundaries around relationships with Himself and others, He gave the Israelites the ten commandments. In Exodus 20:8 He clearly states, “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy...there are six other days to work.” Rest is right up there with not stealing, lying, or killing as the foundation of a good relationship. Which makes it safe to deduce that as our heavenly Dad begins to rebuild His creation, rest is an important part of the restoration process and should be a priority to us.

Lastly, let us look at the created order of the earth and all living things. Everything sleeps or rests at some point. Animals and humans alike all sleep and rest. The ground rests from it’s seasons of planting and harvesting with time where nothing is planted or grown. Without “resting” overproduction will stripp the soil of it’s necessary nutrients. Another example is in the seasons of the year: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Invariably, there are seasons where “rest” is more prominent. For the Midwest, it is winter with shorter, colder days. Making it feel designed for more rest. So even creation which does not think and reason acknowledges the importance of rest.  

As you can see, resting is a vital part of all that was created, including you and I! We will continue to discuss why and how we rest. But first, take some time to honestly consider these questions:

Calibration:
- What is your attitude towards rest?  
- What would your lifestyle, rhythms, and time say about the priority of rest in your life?