1 Kings 8:56
“Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.”

I remember when getting rest seemed like a punishment. In my adolescent years, anything related to lying down, going to sleep, or taking a break felt unenjoyable. There were too many hills to climb, snacks to eat, and cartoons to watch. As a matter of fact, the only break I cared about was when we had recess and gym between classes. If someone would have told me that I would one day welcome the idea of periodical rest throughout my week, I’d laugh uncontrollably. Here we are in my mid-thirties and although I welcome the idea of rest I don’t think I have the best relationship with it.

Since being a follower of Christ, I’ve discovered a supernatural rest that only God can provide. This rest supersedes any vacation or power nap in between our busy schedules. God’s rest renews our spirit man and refreshes our soul. We have to be careful not to fall into the snare of hustling where we forget to humble ourselves before God and lay at our Father’s Feet. At His Feet, we can lay aside every weight as He happily takes our burdens from our troubled minds. What a beautiful exchange, and yet we often forfeit the privilege. We are groomed to equate rest to laziness or to lessen it so that we can get back to work. After all, the harvest is plentiful!

However, without the proper rest in God, we run the risk of ruining the harvest. Imagine trying to be fishermen of men for God’s kingdom as you’re running on empty, spiritually drained, and physically burnt out. This is a perfect example of how easily we can destructively harm the harvest. Since we belong to God, we need Him to work His field of souls properly and to live this life dedicated back to Him. Let us not despise the joyful rest we get to receive in Christ. As we work together and towards the building of His Kingdom I pray that we remember that rest is not optional. In these feeble and limited bodies, we are not able to finish the work set before us without the help of God. So, rest in the peace of God not as a chore but as a replenishment to finish your race strong in Christ.