Read Hebrews 4:1–11.
Between having young children, a busy career, and some financial stresses, my wife, Laurin, and I haven’t been able to take a proper vacation in a while. But a few months ago, we did get a night out. There were no children to care for, no work assignments to complete, and no responsibilities demanding our attention. We were free to rest, if only for a few hours. But before our evening had even started, we were already mourning its end. That’s how much we were craving a bit of rest and relaxation.
God’s Word tells us we were designed to rest. God Himself rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3), and that day off became a model for all of us who bear His image (Exodus 20:10-11). But have you ever thought about what a blessing rest is? Think about it: God could have created people like wind-up toys, with no need to rest but instead running down steadily over the course of our lives. However, he gave us the gift of rest so that we could recharge, reset, and reengage with Him.
One of the blessings of the gospel is that through Jesus Christ, we have been invited to join God in His rest. The author of Hebrews tells us, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience” (4:11). The times of relaxation and refreshment we enjoy in this life are but a picture and promise of the glorious Sabbath God has prepared for us with Him in eternity!
We were designed to rest, just as much as we were designed to work. And it’s in times of peace and tranquility that we realign with our Maker. Find space to meditate on His goodness. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning sunshine. Be still and know that He is God and He loves you.
Pages of Joy 