Resting in God

By the time you read this, I will most likely be on vacation. Wendy and I are blessed to be able to schedule vacations far in advance unlike when I was in the Navy. I often did not know when there was going to be a real-world event, an exercise or training in which I needed to participate. Thus, planning vacations in advance wasn’t always practical. I want to explore in this article why vacations or resting is important from a spiritual perspective. 

    In the Old Testament, the concept of Sabbath was hugely important to God’s people. From the creation narratives in Genesis where God rested on the seventh day to the giving of the Law with Sabbath requirements, the concept of Sabbath rest has been something that carries great spiritual significance.  Sabbath rest is a time to connect with God.  It is a chance to get out of the hustle and bustle of every day life.   It can also be an opportunity to strengthen relationships with family. Sharing Sabbath rest with family can bring people closer together.  While Scripture does not really address vacations, per se, the idea of rest and relaxation has been part of God’s plan from the beginning.

While Jesus did not take a vacation from His ministry, vacations as we know them being predominantly a modern phenomenon starting in perhaps the 19th Century, He did take times of rest and refreshing and also ensured that His disciples had the same. At a time when “so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat,” Jesus says to His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). Clearly, if Jesus sought time to be refreshed, taking a rest is a good thing.

One author, Cynthia Garret wrote the following:

Vacation Is a Form of Worship. Yes, in its purest form, vacation is a form of worship. It's a declaration that your value is not measured by your output, but by your identity in Him. Yes, you read that right. Many of us need to refocus on the way we view vacation.  Is it time for us – or time to be with Him? Time to appreciate him.  Time to thank Him. Time to hear Him. When you choose to enjoy beauty, silence, or play, you are engaging with the God who created joy, silence, and play. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

I am not sure if vacation is actually worship, but I do think that it can be an opportunity to connect with family and to get a fresh perspective on one’s life as well as one’s relationship with God. 

Maybe you are thinking that you can’t afford a vacation, maybe not, but you can still seek to unplug and find a sense of rest whether at home, or walking the trails at Moorehead Park or Crawford Creek, or sitting in your backyard. Just take a break. Spend some time in prayer, or reading, or talking with a friend. Sit and remember the words of Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. Whether you are traveling overseas or fishing at Crawford Creek take some time to rest in the Lord and allow God’s Spirit to refresh your spirit.

                Blessings,

                Pastor Jim