* What does it mean to glorify God through rest?

What does it mean to glorify God through rest? I’m thinking about the idea that we should glorify God in all aspects of our lives, but how does that translate to something like resting? Is it about acknowledging God’s provision that allows us to rest, or is it about trusting Him enough to let go and surrender control during periods of rest? Does the way we rest – for example, resting in a Sabbath-like manner versus just collapsing from exhaustion and scrolling on our phones – make a difference in whether it’s truly glorifying to God? Are there specific scriptures or theological perspectives that offer insight into this concept, and how can we practically apply them in our daily lives to ensure our rest becomes an act of worship? Is it different for different personality types or in different seasons of life?

Answer

Glorifying God through rest means acknowledging His sovereignty and provision by intentionally ceasing from work and activity to find refreshment and renewal in Him. It involves recognizing that our worth is not solely tied to our productivity and accomplishments, but rather to our identity as children of God.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Acknowledging God’s Provision: Rest recognizes that God is the ultimate provider. We don’t have to relentlessly strive to meet all our needs ourselves. By resting, we trust that God will continue to provide for us even when we are not actively working. This demonstrates faith in His sustaining power and goodness.

• Recognizing Human Limits: Rest acknowledges our limitations as finite beings. We are not designed to work ceaselessly. God created us with a need for rest and restoration. Honoring this need through intentional rest is accepting our created nature and demonstrating respect for God’s design.

• Finding Refreshment and Renewal: Rest is not simply the absence of work, but an opportunity to be refreshed physically, mentally, and spiritually. This refreshment allows us to return to our work and responsibilities with renewed energy, focus, and passion. Glorifying God through rest means using our time of inactivity to reconnect with Him, reflect on His goodness, and receive His strength.

• Prioritizing Relationship with God: Intentional rest can involve activities that draw us closer to God, such as prayer, meditation on scripture, worship, and spending time in nature. By prioritizing our relationship with God during times of rest, we demonstrate that He is the source of our strength, peace, and joy.

• Breaking Free from Idolatry of Work: In a culture that often equates worth with productivity, rest can be a radical act of rebellion against the idolatry of work. It is a conscious choice to prioritize God above the relentless pursuit of achievement and success.

• Obeying God’s Command: God commanded a day of rest in the Ten Commandments (Sabbath). Observing a day of rest is an act of obedience to God’s commands and a way of honoring His authority in our lives. Although the specific observances of the Sabbath may vary, the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remains relevant.

• Reflecting God’s Character: God rested on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). While this doesn’t imply that God was tired, it sets an example for us to follow. By resting, we reflect God’s character and acknowledge that He is the ultimate source of all good things.

• Increased Effectiveness and Creativity: Paradoxically, taking time for rest can actually increase our effectiveness and creativity. When we are rested and refreshed, we are better able to focus, think clearly, and generate new ideas. This allows us to be more productive and fruitful in our work.

• Witness to Others: Our commitment to rest can be a witness to others who are caught up in the busyness of life. It can demonstrate that we value something more than just work and achievement and that we have found a source of peace and contentment in God.

In summary, glorifying God through rest is a deliberate and intentional practice that acknowledges His provision, respects our human limitations, prioritizes our relationship with Him, breaks free from the idolatry of work, and reflects His character. It is a powerful way to honor God and experience the fullness of life that He has designed for us.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before you today, seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly means to glorify you. We often equate glorification with fervent activity, with tireless service, and with pushing ourselves to the limit in your name. But we humbly ask, Lord, to open our eyes to the possibility of glorifying you through rest.

What does it mean to lay down our burdens, to still our striving, and to find contentment in your presence, all for your glory? Help us to see rest not as laziness or a waste of time, but as an act of faith. A faith that trusts in your provision, your power, and your unfailing love.

Show us how to surrender our anxieties and concerns, knowing that you are working even in our stillness. Teach us to appreciate the beauty of your creation, finding rejuvenation and inspiration in the quiet moments. May our rest be a testament to your Lordship, a reflection of your peace, and a reminder that you are the ultimate source of strength and sustenance.

Help us to understand that when we rest, we are acknowledging that we are not in control, but you are. That we are not self-sufficient, but we are dependent on your grace. Let our rest be a sacrifice of praise, offered with grateful hearts, knowing that it brings you honor.

Guide us to find the balance between diligent work and purposeful rest, that we may glorify you in all that we do, and in all that we cease to do. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.