In our culture, busyness is praised and held up like a badge of honor. We glorify over-packed schedules, filling our calendars to the brim. If I am honest, I struggle with this all the time. I always want to be on the move. The world has taught me, and maybe even you, that taking time for rest makes us weak or lazy.
When we get together with our friends, our conversations can easily turn into silly competitions over who is busier and more tired. We wear busyness around like a badge of honor. But why do we care so much about being busy? And is it even good for us?
In Genesis 2, we see that even God, the creator of all things, the all-powerful, all-knowing God, takes time to rest. We are created in His likeness, and if the almighty God takes time to rest, perhaps we as His creation ought to follow His lead. We would never accuse God of being lazy, but do we give ourselves the grace that we need for something so fundamental?
God created us to work in His kingdom, doing everything heartily as unto the Lord. But He also made us with the need for rest, just as He did. Even Jesus, during His time on earth, worked tirelessly but also withdrew to rest and pray. Rest is vital for us to accomplish what we need to for His kingdom, to love Him and others.
If our creator designed us with a need for rest and then told us to rest, why do we insist on trying it our way until we burn ourselves out? It could be because we don’t truly understand what rest is.
Jesus gives us the true definition in Matthew 11:28-29:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Rest is not simply taking a nap or a day off work. True rest, Biblical rest, comes from our relationship with God himself.
This week, make time to rest in Him. Lay down your burdens, silence the noise, and let your heart be renewed in His presence, because He cares for you.