We love to talk about how busy we are.
In fact, for many Americans, being busy is how we convince ourselves that we have worth. It means that we are needed and that we are valuable.
Yet, not only does being busy add to our stress levels, busyness also robs us of the time we have to do things that we enjoy and that truly matter. We put off time with our families, volunteering, and celebrating because we have that deadline to make or that meeting to attend.
In God’s economy busyness is not worth all that much.
God desires that His people take time to rest and to celebrate.
One of the 10 terms of the covenant God made with Israel was the command to observe the Sabbath, to rest.
When we intentionally take time to rest, even when work is piling up and things need to be done, we are admitting that God is the one control. He is the one that makes the world go around, not us. Sabbath rest is an act of faith in God.
Not only did God give Israel the Sabbath, but He also provided them with different times of celebrations throughout the year. Ceasing from work and taking time to celebrate, to be with friends and family as we thank God for what He has done, reorients our lives to God. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness to us and calls us back to a life of faith.
Work is an essential part of life. Our work is how we join God in renewing and restoring His creation. It is important.
Without periods of rest and celebration we will lose sight of what our work is about and why we are doing it. Our rest reminds us that our work is important and provides us with motivation to keep fighting the good fight.
