Former procrastinators, Jesus says, “Come unto me‚Ķ and I will give you rest.” Our Heavenly Father commands rest. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter – and comfort provides rest.
God sees rest as a key part of our functioning according to His design. I can’t just mentally agree; I have to actually be refreshed on a regular basis.
Why is that so hard for some of us?
We feel responsible for more than God holds us responsible for. We are accustomed to constant doing. We feel guilty if we aren’t being “productive.” We are proud and don’t want to admit need. So we put off rest as if that were noble.
But it can’t be noble if it’s against God’s instruction and design.
What moves me to disregard His wisdom as if I know better?
Not trusting God.
I have not trusted God to help me discern my responsibilities. I have not trusted that He genuinely wants me to rest. I have not trusted His perspective on “productive” – what gets done not how much. I have not trusted His benefits of humility. I have not trusted His judgement. I have not trusted His design, sovereignty, or love for me – so I’ve acted as if it all depended on me.
I don’t like to hear, “Oh, leave the (whatever job). It’ll be here when you come back.” Right! That is precisely what I want to avoid. I’d rather knock out the job now than have it to do when I return. But sometimes I need to trust that God has a more suitable time for me to do that job – or He has somebody else.
Our God is trustworthy. So I choose to trust Him and rest – regardless of my feelings. To do what needs doing when it needs doing is often to rest.
With demanding jobs and/or children, it is difficult to make time for rest. (It’s even difficult to go to the bathroom alone.) But I’ll confess, I regret not learning how to rest years ago. Living in violation of God’s design, I frustrated and irritated my family – while I was frustrated and irritated as a result of little rest. I also set a wrong example.
So pile up on the bed, feet stretched out, and have story time with the young ones. Put that spread sheet away and complete it tomorrow when you’re fresh.
We can trust the wise God who made us, loves us, and calls us to rest.
In what specific area, can you trust God this week – and rest?
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom Beth! I’m starting to write up questions for my interview for a new job and your article prompted me to start. It is very important to know if the company has a good balance to allow plenty of time for family and rest!
Wow, Elena! I’ll pray for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance for all of you.