Finding Rest in a Restless World: Prioritizing Sabbath and Solitude

Busyness is Not the Problem: Finding Rest in a Restless World

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly running on a hamster wheel, trying to keep up with the demands of life? Does it seem like there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done? If so, you’re not alone. Our culture glorifies busyness and productivity, making it seem like the more we do, the more valuable we are. But is this really the case?

Contrary to popular belief, busyness is not the problem. In fact, the Bible encourages us to work hard and be productive. However, the issue lies in our obsession with busyness and our inability to rest. We’ve bought into the lie that if we’re not constantly doing something, we’re not living up to our full potential. But this mindset is causing us to miss out on the true rest and peace that God offers.

The Importance of Rest

God values rest. In fact, he modeled it for us in the creation story. After six days of work, he rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This wasn’t because he was tired or needed a break, but because he wanted to set an example for us. He knew that we would need regular times of rest in order to function at our best.

Rest is not just a physical necessity, but a spiritual one as well. Jesus recognized this when he said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He wasn’t just talking about physical rest, but about the rest that comes from being in his presence and trusting in him.

When we’re constantly busy and distracted, we can’t hear God’s voice or feel his presence. We’re too focused on our own agendas to pay attention to what he’s trying to tell us. This is why regular times of rest and solitude are so important. They give us the space we need to connect with God and hear from him.

The Root of Busyness

So why are we so obsessed with busyness? One reason is that we often use it as a way to distract ourselves from our problems and insecurities. We think that if we just keep moving and doing, we won’t have to face the difficult things in our lives. But this is a temporary solution at best. Eventually, we have to confront our issues and deal with them.

Another reason we’re so busy is because we’re afraid of missing out. We’re bombarded with messages telling us that we need to do more, be more, and achieve more in order to be happy and successful. We don’t want to miss out on any opportunities, so we say yes to everything and end up overcommitting ourselves.

But the truth is that we can’t do it all. We’re human, and we have limits. When we try to do too much, we end up sacrificing our health, relationships, and spiritual well-being. We become like the seed that fell among thorns in Jesus’ parable, choked by the cares and concerns of this world (Matthew 13:22).

The Solution: Prioritizing Rest

So what’s the solution? It’s simple, but not easy: we need to prioritize rest. This means setting aside regular times to rest and recharge, even if it means saying no to other things. It means recognizing that our value and worth are not determined by how much we do, but by who we are in Christ. It means trusting that God will take care of us, even if we’re not constantly on the go.

One practical way to prioritize rest is to observe the Sabbath. This is a commandment that God gave to the Israelites in the Old Testament, but it still applies to us today. In Exodus 20:8-10, God says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.”

The Sabbath is not just a day off, but a day set apart for worship and rest. It’s a reminder that God is in control and that we can trust him to provide for us. By observing the Sabbath, we’re saying to God and to ourselves that we value rest and that we’re willing to take a break from our work and worries.

The Benefits of Rest

When we prioritize rest, we experience a number of benefits. First and foremost, we’re able to connect with God on a deeper level. We’re able to hear his voice and feel his presence in our lives. We’re reminded that he is the source of our strength and that we can trust him to guide us.

Rest also allows us to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. When we’re constantly busy, we’re more prone to illness, burnout, and stress. But when we take time to rest, our bodies and minds are able to recover and rejuvenate.

Finally, rest helps us to prioritize what’s truly important in our lives. When we’re always on the go, we can easily get caught up in the trivial things and lose sight of the big picture. But when we take a step back and rest, we’re able to evaluate our priorities and make sure we’re focusing on what really matters.

The Call to Rest

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands of life, remember that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity. It’s not something to be ashamed of or avoided, but something to be embraced and prioritized. As Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Take a step back from the busyness and distractions of life, and make time for rest and solitude. Observe the Sabbath and prioritize time with God. Remember that your value and worth are not determined by how much you do, but by who you are in Christ. And trust that God will provide for you, even when you’re not constantly on the go.

References

• Genesis 2:2-3


• Matthew 11:28


• Matthew 13:22


• Exodus 20:8-10