Summer is the time that we think of fun in the sun, relaxing on the beach, ice cream, barbeques, and lazy days. It may be easier for us to consider the topic of rest when it comes to this time of the year. After all, according to a 2023 survey, 85% of Americans planned to travel during the summer months. But is traveling actually restful? Perhaps for some people travel means rest but for others, the packing, airport, car ride, passport, and activities-every-minute aspect of travel does not create a restful time.
What is rest to you? For my other half, he needs to stimulate his mind but also needs time for a good nap. I enjoy unstructured moments where I can choose what to do based on how I am feeling at the present. I may appreciate getting a neglected house task done or I may want to simply sit and enjoy a good episode of I Love Lucy or a chapter in a book. The afternoon is always capped off by a good nap!
How do you lead rest? Lead rest? You may be wondering what I mean by that. How often do you encourage those around you to rest? Do you speak about it in a Bible study, sermon, or in conversation with a friend? Do you ask others how often they are taking care of themselves?
I would venture to say you probably have spoken to someone about rest recently. But do you lead it yourself? Are you one who says to others that they should take a break, but then push yourself to your limits every day? Do you speak about the blessed rest in Jesus, but then feel guilty because you did not attend every possible event?
As a leader, if you speak about rest but do not do it, then others in your circle of influence will simply look at you and see you burning the candle at both ends and wonder if that is how a “true Christian should act”. Leading rest creates the example of Sabbath. God created the Sabbath so that we would have the ability to slow down, rest, and reflect on Who He is. As leaders, we don’t “outgrow” the need for Sabbath. We don’t get so Christian that we no longer need the time for rest. Christ tells us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He doesn’t say, “Come to me, all you who have not become Christian enough that you still require rest.”
Needing to rest does not mean we are not following Jesus wholeheartedly. It just means we are human. Elijah did amazing things for God as recorded in 1 Kings, but he became afraid and wanted to give up, praying that he might die. He fell asleep, and later ate food prepared for him. Elijah slept again until the angel of the Lord woke him up and encouraged him to eat once more, saying, “…for the journey is too much for you.” (1 Kings 19:7b, NIV). When the journey has become long and we are following God’s plan, rest is not a distraction from the task, but a needed element for continued pursuit.
