Day 15: Rest

Disclosure: Stream of consciousness writing ahead. Very rough draft.  Keeping it real :)

I have been toying with the idea of rest over the last couple of days.  In particular, what God says about rest.  We all know that we need sleep to function, and we know that God commands us to rest on the Sabbath.  There are also verses about being still and resting in him by handing over our burdens.  I often take "rest" out of the biblical context though and add my own definitions.  We use the word "rest" in the sense that it is something that we deserve after a hard day or when we have taken on too many responsibilities (in our opinion).  I don't necessarily think that "rest" is something we deserve or a right we get when we work hard.  God does say he provides rest for the weary, but he also says he will renew our strength when we are tired.  I had this sudden revelation today that "rest" isn't supposed to be something that I schedule in my day, but rather something that God provides for me.  It isn't a right I deserve but a blessing he gives.  He does command us to be still, but it is in order for us "to know he is God" and not for us to watch tv or take a nap.  Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying those things are bad. Believe me, I do my fair share.  This has just been a new concept I have been thinking about, and these are my current thoughts on the matter and by no means, the authority on the situation.  I think too often I am wary to commit to something, or I justify not doing house chores or other responsibilities because I think I need a time of rest, instead of trusting God that he will give me the rest I need.  This week, I have been trying to rest less and let God provide the rest for me, and as a result, I have procrastinated less on tasks and have had less regret at the end of the day.  Even though I have done less sitting on the couch, I have had more than enough energy to get me through the day, maybe more.  I do believe that we need rest and even long periods or seasons of rest, but I'm trying to think less in terms that I deserve it and more that God provides it.