The Rhythm of Work and Rest
God’s Cure for Burn-Out
The rhythm of work and rest is a delicate balance woven into the fabric of human existence. To live a fruitful and meaningful life, we must learn to dance to this rhythm, understanding that work is an essential part of life, but so is the rejuvenation that comes from rest.
- God’s Example of Rest
The greatest argument for taking time to rest is found in the creation story. God, who never grows tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28), rested. So there is more to rest than meets the eye. It’s not just for the tired.
And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2–3 (NIV)
So what’s the point of rest? It gives us a chance to delight in what was accomplished. It allows us to dwell on what God has done. In particular, we need to stop and remember the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. This is why Christians celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday instead of Saturday. Christ rose on Sunday, the perfect day to reflect on our salvation.
2. The Commandment of Sabbath Rest
It’s easy to get out of rhythm and work, work, work. It’s especially true in our culture in the United States. We boast about how little sleep we get and how tired we are. For many, being constantly busy shows we are important. Rest is a low priority, but the Bible puts rest in the top ten. Of all the things that could be included in the Ten Commandments, God says we need to rest. That is how we beat the “rat race” existence in this world.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. Exodus 20:8–10 (NIV)
Rest helps us maintain emotional stability. One of the main benefits is that it saves us from taking ourselves too seriously. The world will not fall apart without us. God will provide for us.
Rest does not always make sense, especially when there is a lot to do, but look at what God says in this verse:
Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest. Exodus 34:21 (NIV)
In other words, there are no excuses. We should never be too busy to take time to rest. We will have more energy to avoid bad decisions, attitudes, and shortcuts.
3. Find Rest in Christ
Growing up, my mother would immediately find something for me to do if she saw me sitting on the sofa. If she was around, I had to make sure I was doing something, or I would hear it. She was constantly on the go. Sometimes, I felt sorry for her. It’s as if something within her would not allow her to stop. That’s why the Bible says we find rest in Christ. Otherwise, we constantly try to prove something to earn the right to breathe the air. God says we are valued from the get-go. We have nothing to prove. He gives us work to do, even before the fall, but he also makes room for rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)
This verse makes it clear that Christ came to give us rest. The rest he speaks of is spiritual. It’s another dimension of rest that allows us to rest in God’s presence, knowing we are loved despite our brokenness. It’s not through a perfect life that we are accepted before God. It’s through the perfect life of Christ, through faith in Him, that we can have the righteousness of God.
In conclusion, how seriously do we take the example of God resting from his work, even though he never grows tired? How much attention do we give to the fact that God puts rest in his top ten regarding his will for us? Finally, how much time do we spend enjoying the rest Christ came to provide, no longer striving for approval because Christ came to seek and save the lost?
