In today’s fast-paced society, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. We are constantly busy, working, running errands, and attending to the needs of others. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom, designed us to need rest. In fact, rest is not only a physical necessity but also a spiritual discipline. Jesus Himself invites us to find rest in Him in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Resting isn’t just about sleep – it’s about finding true rejuvenation for our souls. Many of us struggle with burnout because we fail to prioritize this essential part of life. God gave us the gift of rest not as a mere break from work, but as a means of reconnecting with Him, recharging our bodies, and refreshing our spirits.
Genesis 2:2-3 shows that rest was part of God’s original creation. “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.” God rested not because He was tired, but to set a pattern for humanity. We were created to rest, to pause and reflect on God’s goodness, and to recharge in His presence.
In the New Testament, Jesus shows us how to embrace rest. When He and His disciples were busy with ministry, He often sought moments of solitude to recharge. Mark 6:31 tells us that Jesus said to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Even the Son of God knew the importance of taking time to rest and be refreshed.
Rest is not about inactivity but about engaging in practices that restore and renew our minds, bodies, and spirits. Whether it’s through quiet reflection, prayer, or enjoying nature, these moments allow us to step away from the demands of life and focus on the Creator.
When we neglect rest, we risk burnout, stress, and spiritual fatigue. But when we prioritize rest as an act of obedience, we align ourselves with God’s rhythms of life. It’s a reminder that we are not in control of everything, and that our worth is not found in constant productivity, but in our relationship with God.
Way back in 1997, I was reflecting on this whole issue of finding rest and the Lord gave me a song which I simply called ‘Come to me.’ Here are the words:
Come to Me
I know your pain and struggles, every tear you’ve shed
I’ve felt your grief and heartache every day
But child, I also know that many blessings lay ahead
If you’d only trust in Me and hear Me say
Chorus:
Come to Me when you’re tired and weary
Come when faith and hope have disappeared
Come My child and lay all your burdens at My feet
Bring to Me your failure, sin and fear
For My yoke is easy and My burden light
The victory is secured, you’ll never need to fight
I’ve already given you the power to conquer sin
So trust in My Spirit now within
Take hold of tomorrow, for yesterday is dead
Leave your disappointments, close the door
New dreams I will give you, as you take the road ahead
Lean on Me and you will be restored
I will give you peace, like you’ve never known
I’ll restore your vision, joy will overflow!
Let go of the sin, the struggles, pain and strife
Come and let Me love you back to life
(c) 1997 Robert Griffith