I can’t remember the last time I didn’t define my days as “busy.” I go from event to event all day long. I always have my planner color-coded, and every page looks like a rainbow. This is how I live. I like the “keep up” and “power through.” I enjoy being productive and I love schedules.
This is how I want to live, but is it how I’m called to live?
When you live at a fast-pace, there is a temptation to get caught in the idea that the need to rest is weakness. When I go to bed at the end of the day, I’m annoyed, not relieved. I begin to see sleep as a nuisance that prevents me from doing more activities that I want to participate in, healthy exercise as a waste of time, on-the-go meals as normal, and Bible time/prayer as an extra if I have a minute somewhere (spoiler alert- I never will). The Sabbath day of rest? Don’t make me laugh- I live in the real world where the clock never stops ticking.
The problem with my life is that I’m always looking for the moment when I finish everything on my to-do list as the time to “be still” and “wait for the Lord” and “rest in his promises.” But I am called to something more- I am called to intentionally set aside time to rest as part of my spiritual life.
Our call to rest, as demonstrated by God on the 7th day of creation, has a three-fold purpose for our daily lives.
1. It reminds us of our limitations. We have to be able to recognize and accept our weakness in order to truly trust God. After working for an extended period of time, we are worn-out. We become exhausted physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. By taking time to rest, we are reminded that our human bodies are limited, and that recognition of our own short-comings points us to our need for a savior.
2. It creates opportunity for healing and recharging. God knows that you can’t bear the burden of the world on your shoulders….. and he also knew you’d try anyway. We need time and space to let go of our troubles and recover from our suffering. Life on earth is hard, and there’s no way around that. Take time in your day to breathe and release the pain you carry. We go around all day fighting for what we believe and fighting against that which we don’t; no one can do that all the time without giving themselves time to heal and recharge in a healthy way.
3. It is enjoyable. Taking pleasure in life isn’t a sin. God does not say “Thou shalt never have fun.” He gave us senses of humor, and he gave us things to enjoy in life. Resting is a time to take joy in those things. Spending time with people can be just as restful as sleeping or praying. Sharing a meal can recharge your tired soul. Exercising can help self-confidence and release pressure. Reading a book can calm an anxious mind. These are things that can fall under “rest,” and they are just as important as work or school.
I like a fast-paced life, but I need opportunities to slow down. No matter how many items on your to-do list, set aside time to spend with the Lord, with others, and alone.
We are called to rest, and it is a high calling.