A Time to Rest

by Brandon Read, Gospel Student Ministries Director

Time is a precious commodity. But in this day and age, we tend to move quickly from one task to another, making everything feel like a blur. Unfortunately, once time is gone, we can never regain it.

It is easy to see why time slips by so quickly. For example, in addition to my duties as Gospel Student Ministries Director (GSM), I am a husband, father, basketball coach, and lawn care/landscape specialist. Needless to say, these responsibilities require from me a high level of commitment, attention to time management, and most importantly, rest.

For many of us (including myself), we are consumed with various tasks and responsibilities. In response, instead of focusing on what “must” get done, we focus the majority of our time on the things that “need” to get done. Inevitably, something important will be set aside. For me, daily time with the Lord is essential; it is a “must;” however, it is often placed on the back burner. But, when I fail to make time to rest in the presence of God (prayer, reading scripture, etc.), everything else in my life greatly suffers. When I’m running on fumes, so-to-speak, I become impatient and irritable. As a result, my behavior has a negative effect on my marriage, family, and quality of work.

In the Bible, God lays out the importance of work. He also provides the perfect blueprint on how to rest.  “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3)

In His earthly ministry, Jesus took time to rest. Even in the midst of a storm, Jesus rested (Mark 4). Jesus knew that there was work to be done. He knew great crowds were waiting for Him and people needed to be healed and set free. He was not bothered by the storm and what “needed” to be done. Jesus knew He needed to rest and to be ready for what “must” be done.

As followers of Jesus, we ultimately find our rest in Christ. Understand the importance of that time with Him. Make rest a personal priority. Make sure it is a genuine rest that will strengthen your walk with the Lord.

Here are examples of purposeful rest that have worked for me:

(1) Examine your schedule and set aside a daily time to refresh your spirit in Him.

(2) Take several moments a day to pray and connect with God.

(3) Read and meditate on scripture. Sometimes, one verse is all I need.

In the end, it is necessary that we make time to consistently meet with the Lord. Whether you are working, loving your family, serving your community, or attending church, make time to rest in the Lord.