The Music of Rest: Finding God's Rhythm in a Restless World
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
I violated the rest reality in the Bible to my own hurt, I almost self-destructed. I don't know where I came across this statement, but it's become a pattern I've tried to follow, and it was: "Divert daily, withdraw weekly, and abandon annually." The concept is that we need to have some rest built into each day, each week, and each year. I have been encouraging every pastor friend of mine to follow some version of this and build rest into the rhythm of their life. In music, they say that a rest is when there is no music, but the truth is there is the making of music in the rest. The rest is a vital part of the whole composition. God's design and desire is that the composition of our lives be well-pleasing to Him, and He's the one that established the rhythms of rest as well as the call to do business till He comes.
Just as a musical composition needs rests to create beauty and meaning, our lives need intentional pauses to create space for God's presence and renewal. Without these rests, our life's song becomes a chaotic noise rather than a harmonious melody that glorifies our Creator.
Five Practical Steps to Enter God's Rhythm of Rest
1. Divert Daily (15-30 minutes): Set aside time each day to step away from your regular responsibilities. This could be a morning walk, evening prayer time, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of coffee while reflecting on God's goodness. Turn off devices and tune into God's presence.
2. Withdraw Weekly (Half day to full day): Honor the Sabbath principle by dedicating regular time each week to rest from work and focus on worship, family, and spiritual renewal. This might mean saying no to certain commitments or work projects on your chosen day of rest.
3. Abandon Annually (Several days to weeks): Plan extended periods of rest throughout the year, true vacations where you completely disconnect from work responsibilities. Use this time for deeper spiritual retreats, family bonding, or simply allowing your soul to be restored in God's presence.
4. Create Rest Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around your rest times. Communicate with family, friends, and colleagues about when you're unavailable. Let your voicemail, email auto-reply, and boundaries protect these sacred times of renewal.
5. Practice the Presence of God in Rest: Don't just rest from work, rest in God. Use your rest times for prayer, Scripture reading, worship, or simply sitting in God's presence. Remember that true rest comes not just from the absence of activity, but from the presence of peace that only God can provide.
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