First Day - The Secret Of RestSample

An Ancient Simplicity for a Modern World

“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31)

I remember this maxim from when I was a child: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” But we live in a world increasingly driven by deadlines, moving with great haste to a 24/7 mentality. The smartphone generation now runs 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Is this natural? Is it normal? Is it necessary?

It is a life-giving thought that God did not design us to work all the time. He made us with the need to rest in all aspects of our lives. It is only when we learn to tap into His rest that our productivity as people (as well as our overall health) actually improves. I know that you and I think we are different. We can work all day and into the night, and we can’t remember the last time we had a day off, or some fun that wasn’t work related… But, trust me, sooner or later it will catch up with us!

I believe God has given us a great gift, a wonderful opportunity and an exciting dream, so why not stay alive and healthy as long as possible to see all of those things work for the glory of God? Our heavenly Father doesn’t want us to burn out, but He does want us to burn well!

If we are going to enjoy the journey, then having discovered our purpose, we must learn to “play” along the way. We play better when we know the power of God’s rest. As serious and demanding as our calling or work is, as desperate as our world is, we cannot, we must not carry it 24/7. To do so is to invite disaster and ultimately destroy the very purpose we are seeking to fulfil.

When was the last time you really laughed?

When was the last time you played with your kids?

When was the last time you had the time to enjoy that bar of chocolate and a super LARGE latte?

When was the last time you did something you really enjoyed?

If you can’t immediately remember, then the chances are you are heading for “dull boy/girl” syndrome, a nasty little condition which will empty your heart and steal your joy.