I smiled trying to visualize the great Creator taking a rest after that 6-full day of work (Genesis 2:2). He must have said to himself, “now, sit back, relax and take delight in your creation”. Interestingly, rest comes after work—not the other way around. Ever wonder why God, with all His power would take time to rest?
To my mind, rest had been emphasized from the very beginning because God knew that eventually work would occupy much of man’s 24-hour schedule. He also knew the tendency of man to be consumed with work (whether for practical reasons or for nobler purposes). God not only commanded us to rest, but he exemplified it to us—for our own good.
But rest seemed to be elusive. Much as we want to dwell in our cozy bed in the morning, the list of TTDs for the day pulls us to get up and start another day rolling. For career moms, break times could have been great for power nap but there we are on the phone--checking the house or our children at school. To top it all, there seemed to be a never-ending concern about everything----overcrowded MRT, traffic jam, deadlines, budget and control, officemates, boss, parenting and with your spouse.
Is rest really elusive? What does it mean for a woman who wears different hats every day? From Genesis 2:2, I was led to Christ’s invitation recorded in the book of Matthew:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? 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. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matt 11:28-30 The Message)
From the very words of Jesus I found a new definition of rest. It means coming to Christ and letting Him take control of our lives 24/7. It means total dependence and surrender to Him.
Rest is encompassing. Wherever we may be, whatever our hands are busy doing or whatever situation we are shove into --- there is always time and opportunity to rest. It is up to us if we choose to humble ourselves and step aside so He could take the reign—only then we could live freely and lightly...
Contributor/Article by: Ruby S. Badoy
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