Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Genesis 2:1-2
After creating the heavens and the earth in six days, our awesome God rested on the seventh day! Although the world and all it activities was only about to begin, the Lord chose to enjoy all that He had created! The Lord did not rest because He was tired or weary. He was doing it to enjoy His finished work of creation! Just like an artist that steps back and enjoys their creative work, our God looked at all His creation and called it good!
Since the Lord has created us in His image, we are designed to rest and enjoy our work. Why is it that some of us have such a hard time resting!? Some people feel their work is never finished, so it’s hard for them to rest. Some are overcommitted, and they always feel behind. Technology allows for people to draw upon us at all times via texts or email, and sometimes it may feel like we can never unplug. At other times, we are so used to being connected to people or work, we don’t want to unplug in the fear of missing out on something. In addition, we live in a culture of “not good enough,” which makes people feel like they always have to do more to be enough!
The truth is that we all need rest for our spirits, souls, and bodies. It is in resting that we gain clarity and have the opportunity to hear God better. It takes faith to rest our entire being! It takes faith to rest our minds from going a hundred miles an hour and trying to figure things out. It takes faith to rest our will from striving and making things happen. It takes faith to rest and still feel loved and valuable. It takes faith to rest and not fear being forgotten if I we are not seen for a few days. It takes faith to rest and know that time is not going to run out on us while we’re resting. It takes faith to rest our bodies and get the sleep we need. It takes faith to rest and know that God cares about our needs even when we are resting!
Our flesh is going to fight resting because its intent is on remaining carnal, active, and busy. For some resting won’t be easy, but we must press through. When we can rest without being anxious, it is a step towards victory! Is the Lord calling you to rest? In resting, we may be delivered from fear, insecurities, restlessness, etc. Today, find time to rest in God and celebrate what He has already done in your life!
Amen