The Gift of Rest

Rest is both a gift and command. The Sabbath is a day of rest. There were laws that detail even the land to rest and not to be planted. Even God rested on the seventh day. Why do we choose to ignore it when it's so vital to the plans that God has for us?

Maybe we're not doing what God's called us to because we don't rest and recharge. If we're fried by all the activity of our week, how are we going to hear the Word tell us the new thing? How are we going to have the strength for the new challenge if we haven't been restored?

I don't think that all rest is preparation for new challenges. I think that there's the gift of rest to just enjoy. Those times when it's just great to sit on the beach or in the park and watch the birds and little kids chasing each other. Times when you just stop planning and thinking, when you give yourself permission to unwind.

It's important. It's a diversion of the enemy to make us crazy with activity. When we get over-burdened by things to do, we stop hearing God. Works every time and it's wrong. God wants us to enjoy peace. He really does, but He's not going to force it on you. You have to take initiative and collect it yourself, like the manna. The voices of the world are telling you what you ought to be doing quite loudly. Hearing God say to rest is much more subtle. Slow done. Take a break and rest, for a whole day! See if God doesn't work out all the stuff that you think will fall apart. It will be good for you.