Rest is the theme for this year’s focus for the Lutheran synod my church belongs to. They wrote, “Time and time again God calls us into rest through scripture. We read stories of Jesus retreating into the hills, journeys being paused, and creation being celebrated with rest. So what does it mean for God’s people to engage in rest? Throughout 2024 we will explore this question, not just through sleep or vacation time, but through little moments each day that nourish and renew us.”
My first reaction? Nope. I don’t have time for this spiritual practice. Nope, I have tried this before and I have learned that rest, practicing Sabbath, isn’t easy for me. Nope, no skill, desire, talent in this area at all!
Yet God modeled for us rest.
Our Bishop wrote, “There is a sacred rhythm to God’s created order. We know this story well, and we get the point of the creation narrative as it is recorded in the Book of Genesis, chapter 1. We think we know this story well, and we think we get the point. But actually, I’m not sure that we do.
“Did you happen to notice that in the Book of Genesis each day begins not with the rising of the sun, but with the setting of the sun. Each day begins in the evening, which is then followed by the next morning. “And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day”. Just pause for a moment and give that rhythm some consideration.
“What if God, in this sacred rhythm of time, is asking us to begin our days, not with work, but with rest. In God’s economy the gift of God’s rest always comes first, which is then followed by the sacred gift of work.
“From Genesis chapter 1, we learn an important principle to put into practice.
“We are to work from our rest, and not rest from our work”.
Those words lingered in my heart and slowed my quick rejection of this practice. In a world that glorifies busyness and normalizes never-ending productivity, God invites us to get off the treadmill of activity, and simply rest. To live, to discern, to serve, to love from a posture of rest, not busyness or fatigue.
I do find stillness, a form of rest, when I go on retreat, practice contemplative prayer, sit in silence and solitude. But the Bishop is urging us to ponder how God is inviting us to “work from our rest, not rest from our work.” Just like Jesus’s words, this is a radical, upside-down perspective, and definitely not of the world.
In many ways, I have practiced rest but not consistently, intentionally, nor with God’s guidance. As I write this post, I pulled out my Rule of Life, which I have followed since 2004 with occasionally updates and additions. Interestingly enough, no mention of rest in there. Mmmm, now that is insightful.
I do plan to pray about this, journal, continue reading and listening deeply to how God wants me to rest and to incorporate this discipline into my practice. Perhaps my word of the year and its image – Well – also hints of rest.
I feel God’s invitation to deepen in this practice. We have a God of surprises – will be interesting to see who unfolds with the spiritual practice of rest.
What do you think about this practice and its many ways to being expressed in our spiritual walk?
“work from our rest, not rest from our work.”
oh wow, yes. what comes from those still, renewed soul-spaces is far deeper than we may imagine. in this overwhelmed, overscheduled life, this is a beautiful invitation.
we sigh with gratitude and relief as we say, ‘yes, please, Jesus.’
Yes please Jesus – a great prayer!!
I feel as though our quiet time–first thing in the morning–is our time of rest before work, as we soak in God’s Word, practice stillness while journaling impressions from our Heavenly Father, share heart-to-heart in prayer, etc. I do find this practice to be uplifting and energizing!
Yes rest is so uplifting and energizing. I find I am finding small bits of rest during the day but yearn for a weekly routine, more of a Sabbath with more intentional. Praying and listening!
I love this concept, Jean! On a practical level, I’ve always found that I can’t be productive unless I’m well-rested, physically, mentally and spiritually. Like the old TV sitcom’s name infers, Father Knows Best, our loving Father in heaven is constantly pointing us in the direction He wants us to take. Rest before work.
Blessings!
I am finding I am resting in a variety of ways but still feel tine invitation to be open to new ways. I plan to listen and learn!
thank you jean…its almost an illegal concept these days..us oldsters do not have much choice…just getting dressed and making bed requires rest ..abt ready to go back to bed aft that..however it seems the 23rd psalm puts it in the order you mentioned..”He maketh us to lie down in green pastures…He restores our soul”…then comes the activity..”yeah tho i walk thru the valley of death”..
peace
Great insight, Pat, to see the pattern of “rest first, then work” in the 23rd Psalm!
You are so right that this psalm does give us the right perspective! Rest well, Pat