Rest

This little four-letter word has thirty-seven different uses. It can be used as a noun or a verb in our language.  I am using it as a noun for the purpose of this post. This word is especially relevant for me to hear. I am in one of the busiest seasons of my life. It seems like since the first of the year, it’s been “hammer down” and going at a really fast pace. Trying to find space in the margins for rest has been difficult.  Just this morning, I was debating changing the alarm to get some extra rest because I worked late yesterday.

The people of Israel are camped on the Jordan River and about to cross and start taking the land that God had promised them 40 years earlier. Moses, their leader was connecting with the Lord and restating many of the guidelines and boundaries that the Lord wanted them to hear and put into their lives. He reminded them of the 10 Commandment that God had written upon two tablets. As Moses was restating the 10 Commandments, he went a bit more detailed in the command to rest. This command to rest made the top 4 of the commandments. Check this out….

¹² “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. ¹³ You have six days each week for your ordinary work, ¹⁴ but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do. ¹⁵ Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day. (Deuteronomy 5:12-15 NLT)

A day of rest was planned by God, the Creator of Everything – I think it would be a solid idea for me to do likewise. I think rest can give perspective as well as rejuvenate my soul. I believe the Lord can do some incredible work when I’m resting. My attention span should be clearer and more focused during and after rest.  I think it was interesting that the Lord reminded the people to rest from their work because of the word He had done on their behalf. Taking some time to rest and reflect will remind me of the “strong hand and powerful arm” of the Lord.

Rest reminds me that God is in charge.

Rest restores my distracted soul.

Rest corrects my vision of God.

Rest requires a break from routine and business.

The Lord built rest into His schedule, so I would wise to do the same.

Pressing On!

Dwayne