Strong spirits: we work our best when we get our rest

Do you get enough rest for your spirit, mind, and body?  Do you realize you need it?  Did you know that God desires it for you?

Many of us have much work to do and are often overwhelmed with it.  We believe we certainly couldn't take time away from it, though we might want to very badly.  The truth is, unless we do take time away from our work, we will not do our work well.  God created us with a need for rest and invites, and even commands us to it.

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."  God through Moses to us (Exodus 20:8)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Jesus to his followers (Matthew 11:28)

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."  (Mark 1:35)

Jesus by his teaching and his example shows us the need for rest.  It isn't just getting away from our work.  It is getting together with the One who refreshes us and renews us for our work, and for life.  Our lives are best when we get our rest.  And we get it best and most completely, in him.

Do you need God's rest today?

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.