In the relentless hustle of modern life, where the din of demands never ceases, the concept of rest can seem almost revolutionary. Yet, it's not merely a modern necessity but a divine invitation. Scripture is full of references to rest, not just as physical cessation from labor, but as a profound, spiritual renewal that God eagerly offers to us.
Starting with my confession, I must admit that resting is something I struggle with. I am a driven person. I like to achieve things, get things done. Check them off my list (so I can add more...). For the most part, my drivenness has served me well. But sometimes it makes me tired.
God didn't make me (or anyone) as a machine. He made us so we would need time to recharge, and not just physically. We need "soul rest"—a state of being where our innermost self finds peace and rejuvenation in the presence of God. This is essential for our spiritual well-being and our relationships, with God and with others.
The Divine Command to Rest
God's commandment for Sabbath rest in Exodus 20:8-11 underscores the importance He places on rest. The Sabbath is not just a day off from work; it's a sacred time dedicated to refocusing on God, reflecting on His goodness, and restoring our spirits. This command reflects God's own example from Genesis, where He rested on the seventh day after creating the universe, not out of necessity, but to set a precedent for our need for regular restorative breaks.
Jesus and the Invitation to Rest
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of rest, offering an open invitation to those who are weary:
Here, Jesus is not merely suggesting a temporary reprieve from labor but is offering a deep, transformative rest that rejuvenates the soul.
The Psalmist on Rest
David speaks beautifully of this kind of soul rest in Psalm 23, a passage that paints a vivid picture of God as our shepherd who leads us into rest:
This imagery of green pastures and still waters evokes a sense of profound peace and security, illustrating how our souls can be refreshed and restored under God's care.
Practical Steps to Soul Rest
Here are some thoughts about how to make this happen. To experience this soul rest, we must be intentional about how we structure our time and prioritize our spiritual practices:
- Sabbath Keeping: Dedicate one day each week to rest from your usual work and to engage more deeply with God through prayer, worship, and reflection.
- Daily Devotion: Incorporate regular times of Bible reading (or listening using apps like the #Daily Audio Bible) and prayer into your daily routine to stay connected with God and to continually lay your burdens before Him.
- Meditation and Prayer: Spend time in silence and solitude, allowing God's Word to speak to you and His presence to fill you with peace.
- Community and Fellowship: Engage with a church or other community of faith where you can find support, encouragement, and mutual growth, which are vital for maintaining spiritual vitality.
- Spend Time in Nature: Of course, nature is not God, but it reflects the generosity of His endless creativity. If you'll take time to notice, you will see that we are often surrounded by natural beauty. Sunshine, glowing moonlight, a blooming flower, clouds sailing across the vast expanse of sky, a flowing stream, the fresh scent of the world around you after a cleansing rain.
My Example
Yesterday, my wife and I took a delightful kayaking trip on the Crystal River. Even though paddling the kayak was invigorating at times, our journey was still soul-restful. Immersed in nature, I felt close to God and my wife. My to-do list was nowhere to be seen. Instead, we experienced several manatees, a bird that had caught a fish as big as it was, sea turtles, and an owl. I've included a few pictures below.
Our pace was unhurried as we explored. Psalm 23 wafted through my mind, God leading us through (not really beside) the still waters and restoring my soul.
And when we got home, I even indulged in a rare brief nap, which I sorely needed.
Conclusion: Embracing Soul Rest
In embracing the practice of soul rest, we not only obey a biblical command but also align ourselves with God's rhythms of grace and renewal. As we do so, we find that our capacity to handle life's challenges is not diminished but enhanced. We discover that in the economy of God, resting is not wasting time—it's an investment in our spiritual health and vitality.
As we journey forward, we would all do well to remember that soul rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity, as vital to our spiritual well-being as food and water are to our physical bodies. Let's approach God's invitation to rest with the seriousness it deserves, trusting that as we do, He will restore our souls, refresh our spirits, and renew our strength, enabling us to face each day with renewed energy and deep-seated peace.
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