Many of us realize the value and importance of rest. We may blame many of our mistakes during a single day’s time on our “lack of rest” from the past night. Upon a visit to the doctor one of the things he may prescribe for us is to “get some rest.” How many times have you been involved in a strenuous activity and paused for a short while to “rest” in order to get your strength back? Even though we may often push ourselves in life we still know deep down in our hearts that we need rest. And, yes, Jesus also realized the value of rest when He told the disciples, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6.31).
While we realize the value of rest, so often we do not get it. And, so many things come into play in our lives that rob us from the rest that our bodies (and minds) need. Long hours at work, over-booking our schedules, sickness in the family, extracurricular activities with the kids, over-commitments to social clubs and activities, trying to please everyone we know, and taking on “just one more thing” in an already packed week can rob us from the rest that we need for body and mind. Really it is up to each of us to set proper boundaries that will allow us to get our needed rest. We have to learn to say “no” and mean it. We have to realize that we can do without committing our time to certain activities so that we can reserve the time that we need for ourselves. It is so important that it may very well be the difference between sickness and health, both physically and mentally!
It is also important that we note a third component in which we need rest. We have already mentioned our physical need and our mental/emotional need. It is very possible that our physical and emotional needs are met and yet a third area has been overlooked. In describing their bewilderment, some people say that they feel like there’s something missing in life and nothing they have tried fills that void. Others may say that there is surely more to our existence than what the daily grind provides us. Still others find that they are not at rest even though they allow plenty of time for it both physically and mentally.
I would suggest that the third area in which we need rest has to do with our spirit. Only God can give us that kind of rest. Hebrews 4.9 says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” And, it was Jesus, Himself, Who said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11. 28,29). Are you a weary soul who badly needs spiritual rest? It is available to you if you will simply come to the Lord to get it. Only He can fill the void. Only He can help us to make sense out of life. Only He can provide us with rest for our souls.
Think about it, and get the rest you need!
Kevin Williams