When was the last time you had a day off? For some of us, taking time off work is easy. As soon as we get home, we kick off the troubles of the workplace like a pair of shoes and relax for the evening. Then there are those of us who take the workplace home. Our emails constantly chime as we churn through the work we still have to get done. Our phones ring with calls from clients. Taking time off seems impossible!
Rest is vital to our existence, not just for our bodies and minds but also for our souls. Our passage today points us back to the true rest that can be found in Jesus. In Jesus, we can be confident in knowing our life is in his control and tender care. We can also rest in the deep-seated knowledge that our identity is found in Jesus. We are not our job title, sum of professional success, or what we’ve accomplished.
Ultimately, our work does not provide for our needs. God does. He is our protector, provider, true rest, and life-giver. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2).
By resting from our work each week, we are publicly declaring that we depend on God’s care for our lives. Our work does not define us; rather, our walk with Christ does.
Dear Lord, your rested from work on the seventh day. Forgive me when I decided I should not follow your example. Help me turn off the world and rest in you at least once a week so I can draw closer to you and be renewed. Let me set my heart and mind on you. Amen.
Go Deeper — Look at your calendar. Where can you set aside some time for quiet and rest in Jesus this week? What do you need to do to gain that time?
Read Further — Not sure where to begin when it comes to setting up a quiet time with God? This article may help.
Photo Credit: Robert Baker