“Entering Rest” is an ominous title for a term that can encompass a multitude of meanings.
I asked a group of people to share their ideas of what they think of when they hear the word “rest.” A mom shared, “rest is that time when the kids go down for their naps.” Another person described rest as the rejuvenating solitude — often found in their own nap — that recharges them for the next activity. Then one summed up their thoughts about rest as being at a place of peace with all that is around them.
We live in a world where the concept of rest is fleeting and many of us in the pursuit of rest often find the solutions lacking. We busy ourselves with trying to fill our need for rest with conveniences, vacations, medications and practices that temporary patch a need that is so much greater. There is a “rest” available, that can only be found and experienced in a relationship with God.
The Bible has a great deal to say about the concept of rest. Early in the book of Genesis when God finished the work of creation it states “on the seventh day he rested” (Genesis 2:2-3). God even set up a command for a weekly Sabbath day of rest for creation so all could rest from work and focus on spiritual renewal (Exodus 20:8-10).
While it is physically refreshing to give your body and mind time to be restored, God provided through Jesus Christ the ultimate spiritual cure. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus uses a farming example to illustrate his desire to carry our burdens and provide the rest our souls need. It is possible to find rest, but it is only experienced through God the Creator, provider and sustainer of rest.
God modeled the importance of rest, he commanded his creation to practice regular times of rest, and provided the ultimate rest of peace for one’s soul through the work and sacrifice of Jesus. This saving rest is only found through accepting the invitation to be in relationship with the God who created all. This rest fulfills our deepest longings and also gives us strength through faith and obedience to weather any storms in life as we depend on God and his provisions.
Have you entered this rest? Can you echo these words of the psalmist who proclaimed: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2).
Frank Alioto is the pastor of Roots Family Church and a chaplain in our community.
