When working with a team that has a day of rest or Sabbath, I did a deep dive to find out why this is important for us and how I should view a sabbath rest or a day of rest each week. From a young person, half the day was at church and ministry, so even Sunday was a whirlwind of activity with a short break after lunch, and then the "grind" started again. This research article is to encourage you to re-look at what a sabbath rest is and why it is essential both spiritually and physically. I encourage you to take a day off each week and enjoy God, His creation and those He has placed around us. Rest and remember that it is not all about what you do but who He is!
The Bible extensively teaches about rest, emphasizing its importance from the beginning of creation. God Himself set the example by resting on the seventh day after creating the world, establishing a pattern for humanity to follow[1][5]. This divine rest was not due to fatigue but to set a standard for mankind, highlighting the significance of regular rest in our lives[1].
In the Old Testament, rest was a central theme, particularly in the concept of the Sabbath. The Ten Commandments explicitly required rest on the Sabbath day, extending this rest to all people, servants, and even animals[3]. However, the Israelites often struggled to fully enter into God's rest due to disobedience and lack of faith. The book of Hebrews refers to this, suggesting that the promised rest remained elusive for many in the Old Testament era[1].
Our modern society often defines us by our productivity and achievements, leading us to strive for identity through our actions and accomplishments. This constant pursuit can leave us weary and burdened, never truly finding rest. However, the Bible offers a different perspective on identity and rest:
1 Rest in God's Love
True rest comes from understanding and accepting our identity in God's love. Jesus invites all who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him for rest[3][7]. This rest is not merely physical but a deep, spiritual rest that comes from knowing we are beloved by God[4].
2 Identity in Christ
Our true identity is not found in what we do but in who we are in Christ. Brennan Manning emphasizes this: "Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion."[4] When we internalize this truth, we can let go of the need to prove our worth through our actions constantly.
3 Ceasing from Self-Effort
Biblical rest involves ceasing from our own works, particularly in terms of salvation and earning God's favour. It means trusting in God's grace rather than our own efforts[2]. This rest is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, freeing us from the endless striving to please God through our own inadequate works[1].
4 Practical Application
Embracing this biblical concept of rest involves:
1. Setting aside regular times for physical and spiritual rest, following God's example[3].
2. Trusting in God's provision and care allows us to relax[2] truly.
3. Finding our identity in being loved by God rather than in our accomplishments[4].
4. Letting go of anxiety and worry, resting in God's peace[2].
By understanding and applying these principles, we can experience the deep, restorative rest God intends for us, free from the constant pressure to achieve and perform for our self-worth.