December 21

The Lord who created the entirety of all that exists in six days and then rested on the seventh day knows the value of taking a break. In our modern world, rest is virtually unheard of for some people. When they aren’t actually working at their place of business, they are traveling in order to further business interests.

This lifestyle, designed for professional success and financial gain is ultimately destructive to a life. While the enterprising business executive or the rising money manager—name the branch of the work-a-day world that best fits you—is straining to succeed, the life he’s trying to enhance by his efforts is falling apart.

Personal relationships that once seemed perfect begin to disintegrate, children who adore their parents and are dearly loved in return begin to feel the sting of neglect, stress and sleeplessness exacerbate health concerns. The cycle of pursuing the dream and reaping brokenness goes on without end.

Were we to follow the Lord’s counsel from Psalm 116:7 which says, “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you,” we would realize both physical and spiritual rest. If, when we had performed reasonable labor, we would leave the outcome to the Lord, He could bless both our work and our rest.