The Gift of Rest
After any activity we usually take a break. Although many continuously work long hours without rest, not doing so causes physical and mental exhaustion problems.
“And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming, and they had no leisure even to eat.” Mark 6:31 ESV
In all of humanity, even more so in the Christian world, timely and adequate rest is important. However, at present there is a high pressure in society to “live” in a hectic way. Speed and quantity are printed in all kinds of things, as if this were very important in our daily lives. But if we meditate we will see that speed is only important in the means of transport and the means of defense that the armed forces possess. And in the field of medicine and the treatment of diseases, speed is necessary depending on each case. The world in general seems not to be interested in the psychic and spiritual quality when it promotes aspects that cause addiction or lifestyle habits that directly affect our relationship with God.
A high percentage of society, accustomed to forgetting and/or ignoring God’s commandments, opens the door to social injustice by letting in aspects that they do not consider an appropriate rest. As Christians we can follow Jesus Christ in vain only with our lips while our hearts live agitated and worried about material things. In other words, we distance ourselves from Christ in deeds despite the fact that we confess with our lips a false root faith. The word inspired by God is very clear and urges us to lead another type of life, “and to aspire to live quietly, and to mid your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instruct to you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV
We must be aware that despite the worries and problems caused by the absence of stillness and rest, with Jesus there is always a solution: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 ESV
When we can truly rest, it will be thanks to our faith in the Lord, because peace in our hearts is secure and we will be aware that we have received the gift of rest.
May God bless you.
