Sometimes we get to the end of us. Then what? I like the picture of the woman resting from a mountain bicycle ride. It’s a picture of me, not just from exercise, when I need to rest. I shouldn’t be surprised when I find in the Bible that even God rested. “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 2:2-3).
Recently our family traveled seventeen hours on a cross country road trip (from Sacramento, California to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was done! I was grumpy! I needed rest. Have you felt that way from the stress of work? I have. So what happens when we get to the end of us?
Come to Me All Who are Weary
Jesus holds the answer to our being tired and weary. He 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). God never intended for us to be so tired we don’t know which end is up. In creation, He set a day of rest, the day He rested, the seventh day.
The good news is, we don’t have to wait til the seventh day. If we are weary in the middle of the week, we can surrender to God (not a sign of weakness), and experience His rest; peace that passes understanding. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ” (Philippians 4:7).
The Results of No Rest
Without rest, our weariness grows into grumpiness. It can even grow into anger, anxiety and malice. God knew it would be an issue for the human race, and He set standards in our lifestyle to take advantage of rest. We may think that we waste valuable time resting, but no time resting is wasted. After a short rest, we can move on and accomplish more than we imagined possible. Read Matthew 11:28-30 again, and rest in the presence of our God. He is faithful to refresh and restore us so we can keep on working, keep on serving, keep on showing compassion and hospitality, keep loving Him and people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your provision of rest. Help us to pause long enough from our work to be refreshed by your amazing love, and strength and compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 