
Most books that recognize pleasing God as the answer to satisfying human needs focus on doing or working for God. For God's Sake, Rest! values productive rest as a means of pleasing God. For years I was told that I had to do something to please God and to use my gifts to serve him. I thought doing things was the only way I could please him. If I didn't do something great, I wasn't of much value to God.
I remember flying home from a pastors conference in southern California, weeping as I peered through the window of the aircraft. I wanted to do something great for God but just didn't seem to have the means to do it. Through a series of life-changing events my eyes were opened to the Scriptures which say that God actually rests and desires that we join him in that rest. As a person at rest in him I am of value.
In contrast to the first six days of creation, on the seventh day God does not speak or work.
Furthermore once I learned to appreciate productive rest, serving God energized me. Rest enabled me to distinguish between God's part and my part of his work on earth. When it comes to service, I have noticed that God won't do my part for me; and I certainly cannot do his part for him. Thus when resting in God precedes working for God, I am better able to rise to the occasion and work as commissioned by him with a much clearer perspective.
"If my life is going to clearly reflect the image of God I am going to have to learn how to rest."
Rest has a higher appeal than satisfying my need for it. Rest is about pleasing God by entering it. God takes pleasure in my rest and calls me to rest as a means of pleasing him and enjoying his delight.
God Bless, Take Rest! |