Rest

OVERVIEW. In rest, we pause in the busyness of life just as we see Jesus doing throughout scripture (Mark 6:31-32, Luke 5:16). Through choosing rest, we are trusting that God will provide, that we don’t have to spend all of our time working, that his ways are better than ours. And rest is a celebration - of his generosity, of his goodness, and of his presence. Intentional rest is also counter-cultural in our busy world; it is demonstrating the good life that Jesus calls us to.

When we rest, we are taking time out to stop, worship, rest, and delight. This can look like times of pausing throughout our days, a weekly rhythm of sabbath, and periodic, larger times of retreat.

PRACTICE. Because rest can be so foreign to us, to begin this practice, take some time ideating what rest could look like for you.

With each of these, we’re dreaming of moving from rest as escape to rest as time for the Lord. Spread out and use a notebook or your phone to keep some simple notes for each category.

1. Stop. What are some things you could stop during rest? Take a few minutes to brainstorm what would be restful to stop or pause while you rest. Perhaps consider your daily or weekly responsibilities and consider what feels life-giving versus what is an obligation. (If helpful, some ideas are stopping phone use, engaging in social media, wanting/shopping, working, worrying, chores, etc.)
2. Worship. What are ways of worshiping God that connect you most to him? Or ways that feel like they are the truest declarations of worship? Pause to brainstorm for a few minutes. (Ideas could range from worship music, dance, painting, writing poetry, walking in nature, doing a Bible study about God, etc.)
3. Rest. What are some things that feel truly restful to you? If you didn’t have to worry about other responsibilities or concerns, what would ideal rest look like? As you're brainstorming, check if these are escapist or moving you towards Christ. (Some ideas are sleeping in, coffee with friends, doing a favorite hobby, taking a nap, etc.)
4. Delight. What are some ways we can delight in what God has given us? What would you like to do during a time of rest or retreat? (Some ideas could be special foods, special activities, wearing your favorite clothes, being with your favorite people, etc.)

Consider sharing your thoughts with a friend or spouse. Sharing your thoughts and hearing other's can help shape what rest looks like for you and your community, and it can help provide some accountability as you pursue rest and/or Sabbath. Some prompts might be: 

• Share something surprising that came to mind?
• How does it feel thinking about engaging in rest in this way? What feels challenging? Exciting? What are you hoping for? 
• Which of these were communal and which parts were individual?
• What is one thing that you could implement this coming week?

From here, set some practical time in your schedule to set aside as rest. That might be starting with a daily time with Jesus or setting aside a full day to do a traditional Sabbath. Regardless of the length, consider the four parts - stop, worship, rest, delight - and how they play a part in your practice of rest. Remember, rest is simply a way of making space for the Lord to transform us into His image.

BIBLE READING. Biblical rest feeds the mind, soul, and body in ways that only Jesus and meet.  Take about 15 minutes to engage with lectio divina and read John 6:32-35.