SEARCHLIGHT
Do you have a healthy balance between your work and getting rest?
SCRIPTURE
The Apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So, they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6:30-32 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
My ALL WORK AND NO PLAY lesson happened when I was a young pastor at my first church. I so wanted everything to go very well that I thrust myself into pastoral work day and night. This went on for some time until my wife, Donna, sat me down on the sofa and said to me “All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.” Clearly, Donna was lovingly saying that I was imbalanced in my work ethic and that things needed to change for the good. I was not spending time with Donna and our children. Neither was I relaxing or properly resting.
Americans work hard for their wages. Many reports indicate that the United States is one of the most overworked developed nations in the world. Out of all the industrial nations, Americans work more hours per week than most other people in other countries. They also take fewer vacations and less time off. The American work and family life balance is very imbalanced. Many homes have both husband and wife working which causes a huge hit to the children.
You need to rest and relax from work for at least 5 reasons:
- Jesus set the example. He rested and knew the importance of directing His friends to also rest. Read the above Scripture again. The disciples had just returned from ministry. They were excited and encouraged but also very weary. Crowds of people were continuing to throng Jesus. He told His disciples to come with Him to a quiet place to be refreshed. Jesus knew that rest makes you more productive. Another time got up early to find a solitary place where He could pray. [Mark 1:35] On another occasion, Jesus fell into a deep sleep on a boat during a terrible storm. Everyone needs rest to get revitalized. Follow Jesus' example. Rest to refresh.
- Rest leads to bodily renewal. It is greatly needed for your physical and mental health. It is not an option, but a necessity. Just as God created you to need food and water, so He has created you to need sleep. Peaceful sleep provides energy to work hard and avoid anxiety. Recognize that you have been made by God to need rest every day of the week. In addition, you need extended times of rest which are referred to as vacations. Rest to renew.
- God directed you to rest when He established the Sabbath. For every 7 days, He commanded that there be a day of worship and rest for your benefit. Jesus honored this. Work for 6 and rest for 1 is God’s plan for humanity. God wants you to make time to reconnect first, with Him, and then with your family and friends. Go to church to worship your Creator, Savior, and Lord. Then spend time with people you are close to. Rest to reconnect.
- Relaxation is needed so that you do not fall into a rut. You live a life that is marked by routine. Every day you get up, go to work, come home, eat, and go to bed, only to awaken the next day to do the same. Routines can dig ruts into your life. This is why you need change. Relaxing means changing daily routines. There are no goals, deadlines, bosses, timecards, or orders to follow. Rest to relax.
- Reflection is necessary in order to know where you are and where you are going. After you experience a time of rest while on a vacation, you can kick into reflecting on your past, present, and future. Think about your life. Pray and read your Bible. Evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Rest to reflect.
Take time to rest every day and every week. Take time every year for a vacation. Rest to live.
SOMETHING TO DO
Examine your lifestyle to see if you are fulfilling the 5 reasons for resting. .
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, sometimes I get so occupied with work that I begin to live an unbalanced life. My priorities become muddled. Please forgive me for having overlooked the importance of taking time to rest. AMEN!