An Invitation to Rest
Major Lynda Thornhill
Territorial Mission, Evangelism & Cultural Ministries Secretary
USA Southern Territory
Scripture: Matthew 11: 28-29
Running On Empty
In a world that is constantly running, there seems to be little time to stop. Many of us recognize the importance of rest, but often find it comes at the end of our list. I will rest – after work, after I make dinner, after I clean the house, after homework – until the day is gone.
I have found in life that you make time for what is important. As I was driving home the other day, I noticed my gas tank was far beyond empty. When I checked to see how many miles were remaining, all I saw was LOW! I could not stop. If I stopped to fill-up, I would be late picking up my daughter. But if I did not get gas, I would not make it to her. I had to stop and fill-up. She was my most important priority, but if I did not realign my priorities, I would not be able to take care of her. My car reminded me of something particularly important; not only did I need to rest and recharge, if I did not, I would not be able to go any longer.
The Example of Jesus
We serve a God who never gets weary, yet we find in Genesis a guide to rest. “So, God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, “God rested from all His work that He had done in creation” (Genesis 2:3 ESV).
We believe Jesus was human so of course while on earth, He slept each night. He also rested during each weekly Sabbath. But there were times throughout His earthy ministry that He again modeled rest. We read in Luke 5:16, “But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Jesus made a habit of getting away. Everyone wanted to be with Him as He grew in popularity. People could not get enough of Him. But it was His priority to always withdraw and be with God. He did not wait until He was overwhelmed or at the end of His rope. It was a part of his daily routine.
As Christians we are called to follow Jesus’ example, and this includes His model of rest. We were not given nine commandments and one suggestion. We were given Ten Commandments, one of them being to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” As we look to His example, here are a few benefits for implementing rest in our life.
Sabbath Rest
Sabbath rest provides balance in our work schedule. Work is rewarding. It brings glory to God when done well. But there is a fine line between working well and overworking. When we fail to rest and reflect on His goodness, the need for success, financial gain, and advancement can become our god. Jesus urges us, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29).
Sabbath rest is a reminder that God is in control. Shelly Miller writes: “Choosing to leave work undone for rest is not a sign of weakness and failure. On the contrary, choosing rest over work is the ultimate trust in God’s sovereign hand upon creation. He oversees our minutes.” We do not always trust that He will get things done. Our humanness makes us think that we must get things done and then we will have time to rest. When we rest well, we are acknowledging that we have done our best, even when unfinished, and we trust God will honor our work and obedience.
Taking a sabbath is not just about being more productive or finding pleasure. It is about tuning into God and experiencing His unconditional love for us. Here are a few tools that you may find helpful as you prepare for sabbath.
Creating Rest
Create a specific time for rest. There will always be something that needs to be done. To make things worse, we are constantly interrupted using technology right at our fingertips. If you use a calendar on your computer, create a weekly space called rest and say no to any calendar invitations during that time. And if you are at home, let everyone know you are busy and do not want to be interrupted. Soon they will know that is your time and you are not to be disturbed.
Create a specific place for rest. Create a space where you will have intentional, uninterrupted time with God. This could be on your porch, in your bedroom or even at the park. The point being that you know when you are in this space, it is set aside for you and God. And be sure to leave your phone behind. It is difficult to ignore the notifications and easy to get distracted.
Be intentional with your time. If you have laundry, complete it before you start your rest, so not to be interrupted by that buzz. If you want to read, have books ready in your space so you are not running around wasting time. And if you want to be outside, make sure you are dressed properly and have all the necessary items before you leave the house.
There is no right or wrong way to rest in Him, with days and times differing for everyone according to their lifestyles. The most important thing is that we accept His invitation to rest.
“The Eternal is my shepherd; He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields, beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name” (Psalm 23: 1 -3, The Voice).
Our Corporate Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You that from the beginning of recorded time, You showed us by Your example that there was a time and place for rest. We thank You that Jesus also gave an example of it and invited us to rest in Him. So, dear Lord, when we are tempted to get caught up with the busyness of our lives, please help us to remember that You have provided us with the gift to rest because we are not designed to go all the time without it. And remind us most of all that the most important rest is found in You. You make all things right and good. We love You, In Jesus' name. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Hong Kong & Macau Territory
Thinking It Through
Have you ever found it hard to stop and rest? Did that feel right? What were the results of being like that? Were they good in the long run? While some people rest too much, we might say they're lazy, we need to have the balance of work and rest. Do you need to take some time to rest now?
Notable Quotables
In place of our exhaustion and spiritual fatigue, God will give us rest. All He asks is that we come to Him...that we spend a while thinking about Him, meditating on Him, talking to Him, listening in silence, occupying ourselves with Him - totally and thoroughly lost in the hiding place of His presence. - Chuck Swindoll
As I was preparing this devotional of Major Thornhill's, the song that kept going through my mind was the old hymn, "Near to the Heart of God." I hope you enjoy listening to it again.
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: [email protected] or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory