Word of the Week: Rest

Hi Gracians!  I’ve been gone so long that I feel I must reintroduce myself.  I’m Don Ward…your pastor!  I was at PCA General Assembly and then had two weeks of vacation.  I’m back now and working so be sure to say hello.

I was reminded again this vacation of the value of rest.  We had a lovely week at the beach with family, and then a week of “stay-cation” where I had a very relaxed schedule and did a few fun things I enjoyed.  I rested well enough that I was quite eager to get back to the office.

I think these breaks really help me reduce my ongoing level of stress and anxiety.  Do you remember that God has woven a rhythm of rest into the universe?  God made the universe in six days and then took a seventh day off.  His people Israel were given rest as a law and commandment, and everybody had the day off every week.  Believe it or not, the focus of the Sabbath was not worship, but rest from work and commerce.  It was total rest in an attitude of trust that God would care for his people and meet their needs with six days of work.  In an agricultural world where during certain seasons a day could be crucial (planting during good weather; harvest at the critical times), it must have taken a lot of faith.  You and I really don’t work harder than they did, as anyone who grew up on a farm can attest.

You and I were created with that rhythm of rest.  Refusing to rest will only raise your anxiety, stress, and blood pressure.  It will have long-term health and relationship costs. I know many of you will get some rest this summer.  Please think about your weekly rhythm this fall.  Will you build in a day of rest?  Will recreation (which can be restful) steal all your rest? I remember the 3-hour drive to tournaments…sitting in the sun, and then driving back.  Not restful!  God loves you.  You can trust him.  Your kids won’t die if they can’t be in every sport every day all year long.  They will thrive.  Your company will survive if you don’t check email one day in seven.  Plan to rest.  You need it.  You’ve earned it.  You were made for it.

In Him,

Don