Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
Rest
I like naps, when I can get them. But that is not what is talked about here.
I like vacations. But that is not what is talked about here.
I like an occasional slow easy morning. But that is not what is talked about here.
The Rest that God’s people, Christians have, comes in the forms of trust, peace, and joy. Because God is so very powerful, we can trust Him. Because God is so very good, we can have peace. Because God unconditionally loves us, we can have joy.
Our work can be tedious, exhausting, endless, painful, intimidating, and unpleasant. But God, in Christ, gives us rest. Our work comes from God’s will for us, and so does rest. Our work comes from necessity, and so does rest. Our work comes from obedience, and so does rest. Our work comes from life, and so does rest.
Notice the opportunities for rest that God gives us. Rest as a teeter-totter response to work. Rest as a recovery from work. Rest as a preparation for work. Rest as a pleasant gift from God, in and of itself.
When you see that God gives rest, thank Him.