The Gift of Rest
Finding Rest and Play: God's Gifts for Our Weary Souls
In our fast-paced, anxiety-filled world, we often overlook some of God's most precious gifts. While we readily acknowledge His salvation and provision, we sometimes miss the everyday blessings that refresh our souls and restore our spirits.
What Does It Mean to Have an Attitude of Gratitude?
An attitude of gratitude is one of the most distinctive marks of a follower of Christ and a vital sign of healthy faith. This isn't just positive thinking—it’s a deliberate choice to recognize and celebrate God's goodness in our lives.
A gratitude attitude serves multiple purposes:
- It promotes God's glory as we praise Him for His gifts
- It strengthens our faith and guards against anxiety and entitlement
- It nurtures contentment where joy and hope can flourish
- It creates a magnetic witness of the gospel to others
Why Do We Struggle with Gratitude?
We live in a world of entitlement and high anxiety. Despite having more labor-saving devices and technology than ever before, we seem to have less time for rest and reflection. These tools, while helpful, have compressed time and freed us to do even more, making it harder to slow down and appreciate God's gifts.
What Are God's Deeper Desires for Us?
Psalm 103:5 tells us that God "satisfies your desires with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles." But what are these desires that God has hardwired into us?
Our Built-in Need for Worship
We have a deep desire for worship—it refreshes our souls and reminds us of God's grace and presence. Worship isn't just a Sunday activity; it's a soul necessity that connects us to our Creator.
Our Appreciation for Beauty
God has given us a desire for beauty. Whether it's the changing colors of autumn leaves or a piece of music that moves our hearts, these moments of beauty point us back to the Creator who made all things beautiful in their time.
Our Need for Creative Expression
We're made in God's image, which means we're creative beings. Whether through woodworking, needlepoint, music, or any other creative outlet, we reflect God's nature when we create and appreciate beauty.
Why Did God Create Rest?
Rest isn't just a nice idea—it’s a creational reality. Genesis tells us that after six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day. Not because He was tired, but because He was establishing a principle for His creation.
Rest as a Creational Principle
When Scripture says God rested, the Hebrew word "nephesh" means He was refreshed. God delighted in His creation, watching the birds fly and fish swim. He established rest as a law written into the fabric of creation—not as a burden, but as a gift.
The fourth commandment reminds us to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." This isn't about following rules; it's about receiving God's gift of rest. As Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
Rest as Freedom in Christ
In Deuteronomy 5, God connects the Sabbath to Israel's freedom from slavery in Egypt. Rest becomes a profession of our freedom in Christ—we don't have to be "on" all the time. We can trust that God is at work even when we're not.
How Can We Practice Healthy Rest and Play?
Pursue Things That Lift Your Soul
Take time for activities that refresh your spirit—listening to music, reading a book, or simply reflecting on life without constant screen time. God built festivals into Israel's calendar that totaled over six weeks of celebration and rest each year.
Restore Your Imagination
Engage in activities that restore your imagination—your ability to image God and envision His future of hope. This might be through art, music, movies, books, or hands-on creative work. As G.K. Chesterton noted, "God has the eternal immortal appetite for infancy," reminding us to maintain childlike wonder.
Enable Others to Flourish
Use your rest time not just for personal refreshment, but to encourage others and care for God's creation. Listen to someone's story, work in a garden, or find ways to bless your neighbors.
What Are the Warnings About Rest and Play?
While rest and play are gifts from God, they can become idols if we're not careful. Romans 1 warns about exchanging "the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator."
When Good Things Become Ultimate Things
We can begin to worship the weekend instead of God, or become so sports-addicted that athletics become more important than our relationship with Christ. The question isn't whether these activities are good—they are—but whether they're taking God's rightful place in our hearts.
Maintaining Proper Balance
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10 that "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." We need to practice good stewardship of our time, talents, and treasures, ensuring that our rest and play glorify God and don't become stumbling blocks to others.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to practice intentional rest and gratitude. Set aside specific time for activities that truly refresh your soul—not just entertainment that leaves you more tired, but genuine rest that restores your spirit.
Consider these questions as you reflect on God's gifts of rest and play:
- When was the last time you experienced true rest that refreshed your soul rather than just filled time?
- What activities genuinely restore your imagination and sense of wonder about God's goodness?
- How can you use your leisure time this week to encourage someone else or care for God's creation?
- Are there any areas where rest, play, or leisure activities have become more important to you than your relationship with God?
Remember that rest and play aren't luxuries—they're gifts from a loving Father who knows exactly what His children need. As you practice gratitude for these gifts, you'll find your soul refreshed and your witness to others strengthened.