Embracing Holy Rest

Recently, the staff of Faith Church took a few days to step away from their usual schedules and spent time together on a retreat. Renting a house, they enjoyed moments of laughter, meaningful discussions, and time together away from the day-to-day hustle. Pastor Kirk even had everyone prepare by reading a book for reflection. But the primary purpose of this retreat? Rest.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
– Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV)

Even though God, the Creator of all things, does not require rest, He modeled it as an example for us. This day of Sabbath was not for God’s benefit but for ours, illustrating the holiness and peace found in taking time to rest. Jewish theologian Heschel reflects on this idea, describing Sabbath rest as a way to glimpse eternity:

“An ancient tradition declares: ‘The world to come is characterized by the kind of holiness possessed by the Sabbath in this world…The Sabbath possesses a holiness like that of the world to come.’”
– The Sabbath, p. 73

Through rest, we are reminded of who God is and that He sustains us. In resting, we let go of control and allow God to be on the throne. When we rest, we get a glimpse of eternity—a life fully sustained by God.

What about you? When was the last time you truly rested in God?