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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Why do we desire rest? What are the benefits of rest? And what do you consider rest? Is it physical? Mental? Or is it both. The years seem to roll by quickly, and with a new calendar comes new intentions that can often sputter out just as quickly as they came to mind. I want to consider rest, and how critical it is to this elusive work-life balance we often strive for.
We desire rest because it is how God created us—in his image—Imago Dei. Our God is a working God. We see this intentionality in scripture from the beginning. God gave us the first look at rest on the seventh day of creation after he had made everything—the heavens and earth and all created things.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done (Genesis 2: 1-3).
Not only is rest one of the ways we are like God in his image but rest itself is holy.
Holy. How is this word defined? Dedicated and consecrated to God, sacred, devoted to the service of God, morally and spiritually excellent.
From this, we learn in rest we: dedicate ourselves to God, serve him in our rest, and display excellence both morally and spiritually! This makes me want to rest!
Although I know the ultimate model of this rest is truly the commanded Sabbath, making small habit changes each and every day can help bring you one step closer to learning how to find this seemingly elusive rest. After all, the benefits to you both physically and mentally are significant.
Leadership articles for work are wrought with commentary about rest. In fact, one Forbes business article states, “Rest is a fundamental part of success…” Benefits include improved mental health, boosted creativity, increased productivity, well-being, reduced stress, improved mood, and strengthened relationships.
I know God is in the business of all these things! He wants us to be healthy. He wants us to create like he did and does, and he most definitely wants our relationships with those closest to us to be strong. Even if business tells us rest will bring success, our God says, remember, you are made in my image. Seek my ways, for they are best.