Making Time to Rest

(photo from wallpaperflare.com)

I used to think August was the best month of the year for so many reasons. Yes, the best reason was that it’s my birthday month. But, back in the day, we didn’t go back to school until after Labor Day, so we actually had the whole summer off. By August, it was hot in northeast Ohio; we didn’t have as many farm chores to do, because the heat was so stifling.

In my mind, August conjures up the “dog days of summer”. Laziness and rest in preparation for the new school year.

(factsite.com)

But, in adulthood, our schedules don’t allow us the summer to recuperate, unless we happen to work for the local schools. We’re always busy with our daily routines. Unless we’re fortunate enough to be able to afford vacations, have vacation days on the books at work, and are mindful enough to take breaks when we can, one day can look just like the last and just like the next.

God knew we’d need to rest. He designed us to sleep for about a third of our day. He instructed us not to work on the Sabbath (which doesn’t necessarily mean Sundays). He speaks of entering into His rest often through the Bible. Yes, rest is important. He also promises that unbelievers will not enter into His rest. (Hebrews 3) But to us, who believe, He promises rest. (Hebrews 4)

As you may recall, in the book of Genesis, where God describes for us how He made the earth and everything in it, He rested on the seventh day of creation. He didn’t just stop working after day six, He took day seven to rest. He didn’t rest because He was tired, in Psalm 121 we read that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.

So how does He rest?

God enjoys what and who He’s created. He enjoys Life! (Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life… - John 14:6)

How much time do you take to enjoy your accomplishments? Even more importantly, how much time do you make to enjoy Life (Jesus)?

(tinybuddha.com)

Our time is more quickly spent than our paychecks. Praise God, retirement has offered me more time to spend how I’d like, but I can still let busyness overtake me. When was the last time you entered into God’s rest and enjoyed all He has for you? Resting helps us better accomplish all the things God created us to do!