It’s human nature to resist what’s in our best interest. Kids resist being put to bed, even when they’re exhausted. Adults ignore health guidelines and indulge in harmful junk foods, even as they complain about not being able to fit into their clothes. We binge-watch shows we’ll soon forget the details of; we spend hours scrolling through reels and posts about people we don’t even know; we refuse to walk away when we know the task we’re doing could wait for the next day to be completed. As Wayne Muller wrote, “We can work without stopping, faster and faster, electric lights making artificial day so the whole machine can labor without ceasing. But remember: No living thing lives like this.”

In hundreds of ways every day in our busy lifestyles we forfeit what is best for us. And we’re reaping the results. Anxiety disorders are at an all-time high and our physical health is abysmal. Tempers are short and conflicts flare at the slightest provocation. But there is a solution, if we’ll just admit our need and heed the antidote offered by our gracious God. Like the parent trying to put the rebellious child to bed, He knows what’s best for us. Will we submit to His wise counsel or stubbornly continue to go our own way?

“Are you tired? Worn out? … Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matthew 11:28-29, The Message)

Real rest comes from a recognition that we are made in God’s image. In the same way that He rested from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2), we need breaks from tasks and responsibilities and activity so we can remember who we are and why we were created in the first place. We are made to partner with God in lovingly caring for His world, but when we are so intent on securing our importance through other means—competing with those around us; rising to the top through advancing our own agendas; proving our worth through what we look like, those we associate with, or financial gain; and pursuing success at any cost—we  end up depleted and worn out. We fail to achieve what we’re really after and need desperately: loving relationships, significance, lasting satisfaction, and peace of heart.

The rhythms God established for His people, times of refreshing that would replenish what’s lost to us in the busyness of life, are key to ensuring that we don’t miss out on the good things He wants to give us. In creation He put into place natural ways of relating to life that keep our souls in balance. Daylight is followed by a time of darkness when we replenish our minds and bodies through sleep. Special holidays and commemorative feasts keep us connected as a community of believers. One of the ten commandments God gave to the nation of Israel was to observe a day of rest once a week to remind them of what was most important in their lives.  

The value of this weekly rest is explained in Rabbi Abraham Herschel’s book The Sabbath. “Six days a week we wrestle with the world, wringing profit from the earth. On the Sabbath we especially care for the seed of eternity planted in the soul.” As Christians, we also need to care for the seed of eternity that’s been planted in our hearts through faith in Jesus. Yes, we need to work to provide for ourselves and our families. We have to maintain the material things we own. We have other responsibilities too that include serving in our community, church and job-related activities, events we’re expected to attend because our children or friends are involved in them, etc. All these are worthy pursuits for image-bearers of God. But we must recognize that as finite creatures we’re limited in our capacities. We need His help to keep things in balance.

We can pretend to be invincible and push our limits of concentration and energy beyond the normal range. We can convince ourselves that we can invest in every kind of amusement and distraction as well as maintain our sphere of influence in every other area of life. But at some point, the crack will come. Relationships will unravel. Health will break down. Addictions will take over and we’ll be powerless to resist their pull. If we don’t recognize our limits and proactively plan ways to replenish our souls, we’ll discover too late the wisdom Jesus tried to share with us. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NIV)

I’m experiencing a “forced rest” at the moment. I’m recovering from surgery, which requires me to lie for hours on end with my feet elevated. Mobility is limited to a walk around my house with help from a scooter. I can no longer engage in things I was doing a few weeks ago—exercising, shopping, cleaning, cooking, meeting friends, attending church and Bible studies. It’s been tremendously taxing emotionally and my body is growing weaker because of the inactivity.

But this forced rest has also been beneficial. I’m learning patience and trust. I’m spending more time with the Lord in peaceful contemplation. I’m discovering new things about myself. I’m also reminded of the blessings of Christian community. Others are praying for me and visiting me, bringing me sweet gifts of grace that I would not have experienced had I continued on in my self-reliant schedule. I’m discovering that in all things, in all circumstances, God is faithful. He knows what we need, and He’s actively at work to teach us His ways if we have ears to hear and eyes to see.

The greatest tragedy of our stressed out, too busy lives is that we forget who we are, and we begin to believe the lies the world proclaims about us. We seek our worth and value and satisfaction in all the wrong places. By accepting God’s gift of rest, consciously unplugging from all other voices and spending time in His presence, we’re reminded of His eternal truths. We gain perspective and draw strength from Him.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength’” (Isaiah 30:15). When we proactively build into our lives times of refreshing (ideally once a week) we’re able to more effectively represent Him. Modeling the need for this rhythm of rest is not only for our good—it speaks to those who watch how we serve God. In the online devotional Lectio, here’s how Pete Grieg describes our longing for restoration. May it become our hearts cry as we approach the busy holiday season.

“May God’s image in me be restored. May the gravity of material things be lightened and the relativity of time slow down. May I know grace to embrace my own finite smallness in the arms of God’s infinite greatness.”

Heavenly Father, help me to refocus my attention on you in whatever circumstances I find myself today. Show me how I can intentionally build into my life the spiritual rhythms that will refresh me, restore my soul, and make me more effective in my service to you. Thank you for your love and the gift of rest you offer us as your people. May we honor you by receiving it with gratitude. Amen.