The importance of rest

Trying to find the work/life balance can be a challenge, especially in what feels like a very hot Summer. We often look at getting rest from a physical exercise, point of view, so our body can recouperate and be rejeuvenated. But there are other parts of us that need our rest too, like our minds and importantly for our spirit. Scripture talks about rest in a variety of ways, both from God's point of view and for humanity.

Genesis talks about God resting from building creation. This gives us an amazing insight that even God had to rest from his labours. This scripture is also mentioned in relation to another big rest, the exodus narrative. The people of Israel journeyed for 40 years through the wilderness, which stretched them physically, mentally, and spiritually. Their disobedience had them wandering for a long time, and now Canaan is now in view.

Hebrews chapers 3 and 4 talk of the importance of obeying God and resting in Him. Canaan, was symbolic of the rest the weary Israelites were to receive and a promise from God made all the way back to Abraham. The people received the rest they needed. This was a spiritual rest, and in arriving in Canaan it prepared them for the next stage in their lives. It is important for us in the now, to also rest in God, especially when a new phase of life could potentially be on the horizon.

Failure to rest and push through, not only impacts our natural selves (mind and body), but the spirit God gives us. It leaves us vulnerable to attack, hampers our relationship with God, and we could miss out on things He wants to do in our lives. So, in my observation, Spiritual rest is often overlooked, but when we use the rest and obey God, He can work through us and in us that makes us more productive. Rest is essential for all parts of ourselves, and when we do, it could potentially grow us more.