The Gift of Rest

Open Your Bible

Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-15; Ecclesiastes 3:1

Start each day by reading the Scripture. During this reading plan, we’ll then use the summary provided here to guide our discussion around the daily reading.

From the very beginning, God established rest as a part of creation, setting the seventh day apart from the other six days of the week. God rested on the seventh day because His work had been fully completed.

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102 thoughts on "The Gift of Rest"

  1. Tanya Neubaum says:

    I’m busy taking care of my elderly parents and I realized I stop spending as much time reading the Bible and

  2. Grace Hilbert says:

    Lord I pray for a restful mind! i need you Amen

  3. Heather Klos says:

    Give me the peace to find rest, Lord.

  4. Isabel Tate says:

    If the creator of the world took time to rest, I can find time to rest too!

  5. Mando Mokone says:

    In him we will find rest ❤️

  6. Emely Nieto says:

    amen! let us have rest in the name of the Father.

  7. Krista Crider says:

    Thank you Lord that we may find perfect peace and rest in you.

  8. Kenzie Harms says:

    When I’m anxious I want to work and work more. This is a good reminder.

    1. Susan Marie Hill says:

      This! I am similar, Kenzie. Thank you for putting all of that together so succinctly.

  9. Gabrielle Vanderwolf says:

    God saw everything He created and said it is good! He created rest for mankind because God don’t rest like us, He doesn’t sleep nor grow tired ( Psalms 121) He watches over us all just as He watched over Adam and Eve, we serve such a great God.

  10. Hanna Jang says:

    I love that God modeled rest for us as a good parent would for their child. I recently transitioned into a new job and felt so overwhelmed with my new responsibilities and filled with anxiety from feeling like I might mess it all up. Jesus’ words to “abide in Him” have helped me to surrender my control of outcomes and today’s reading is another reminder for me to be intentional in resting by simply surrendering my grip on things and knowing that God my Father is in control.

  11. Katie Matsumoto Moore says:

    God rested because his work had been fully completed, but for Adam and Eve, the work has not yet begun. Their first full day of existence was the sabbath and then they were given directions to work the garden. We were crested to rest in what God has completed, not what we have accomplished.

  12. Pam R says:

    I love that…God has not given us too much but we take too much on ourselves. Let go of what is not needed to do God’s work that He is calling you to do. Amen!

  13. Jenn D. says:

    Someone wise told me, if you don’t have enough time in the day, then you are carrying more than what the Lord has asked you to pick up! What a heavy but important charge that is.

  14. Holly Bearden says:

    God is the almighty, He doesn’t get tired or grow weary. I think this is a beautiful example of Him doing something to show us the magnitude of the importance of it! By example He tells us we need to have this Biblical rest

  15. Rachel wilson says:

    rest is holy & a gift from God❤️

  16. Alicia Cousins says:

    I relate to this SO MUCH. I have definitely seen that I have more of a Martha tendency than Mary and often need to remind myself that God is the most important and if I put him first,the other areas of my life will sort out because he is in his proper place.

  17. April Kyle says:

    Yes!! So true!! I think we as a culture get this wrong…!

  18. Lisa D says:

    For me, moving towards more “senior” years, I am realizing that my body and mind now NEED rest, I can no longer push through. God knows my body and blesses me with rests in each season. I am learning to sit in and enjoy it, instead of pushing to the next thing.

  19. Morgan Smith says:

    I think the biggest struggle for me is discerning Godly rest from things that are actually distractions that lead me away from rest.

  20. Rachel says:

    Rest is holy and blessed, and we are intended to rest. There is a time for everything under the sun – it’s just a matter of me making that time and not using that time for other things.

  21. Michele Messenger says:

    I chose those study to remind myself that God created rest and it is GOOD. I want to make rest a priority because life can get so incredibly busy.

  22. Angelina Camello says:

    after starting this devotion, I finally have given myself peace, knowing that God is with me, and everyone else every step of the way. That he knows what’s going on in that we’re not alone. I stressed myself for the longest time worrying about school, work, sports, and athletic. Until now I have never felt more at rest in my life.

  23. Angelina Camello says:

    I have fought myself on giving rest to myself for the longest time. Until I started this daily devotion, it’s made me feel more peace in a calm that God is with me every step of the way. All these comments just make me feel more at ease that we are all in God’s presence, knowing that we are rest with him. 

  24. Jennie Lyons says:

    For me, I look at this section of scripture from an artist’s perspective that “creates” all the time. I remind myself that there is a time to stop and rest. But there are also moments where I find rest in my creation.

  25. Kelsey Hasse says:

    I’m a new mom of a 4 week old. Very thankful for something so guided and easy like this study to get my time in the word…hopefully when I’m feeding or she’s sleeping. But yes…rest has begun to look very different. Trying to figure out what Sabbath looks like in this new season

  26. Marlyne says:

    Learning to rest in the presence of the Lord has been an uphill battle over the years because all of the things I have to do especially being a single mom. A lot of the times I feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to complete all my tasks but I’m learning to take it one day at a time and one task at a time. Learning to rest but starting my day in a resting state by reading a daily devotional and scriptures to meditate on God’s word. The hustle of daily life and task will always be there but God even rested on the 7th day of all creation.So he’s giving us an example

  27. Katie Yutzy says:

    I have so many things to do in my daily life. I find myself justifying why I need to get xzy done before my daily devotions because I tell myself that these tasks are honoring my family, friends, etc. and therefore pleasing to God. Which yes this can be true. But I’m coming to realize that the thing that brings God the most joy is when I simply rest in His presence.

  28. jaquayla huger says:

    Perfectly said!

  29. Haley Peeples says:

    I see lots of comments about the never ending tasks of life and finding a difficult time for rest so I thought I’d share my take away. “God rested from the work he had done in creation.” This phrasing is so important. God’s work had truly only just begun when he created the heavens and the earth, but He took a day of rest after He was finished creating. Also, notice how this scripture ended with the serpent tempting Eve. God had more work to do and He knew that on the day He rested. He will always have more work to do, just as we do on earth. But He created a time for rest because He knew we would need it.

  30. Julie Davidson says:

    I don’t know about you, but for me – work is never “complete”. There’s always so much more to do. I believe we are called to be wise with our time, work hard and then rest. Even when our to do list isn’t finished. ❤️❤️

  31. Vicky Rivera says:

    My weeks at least our busy with kids and work gym etc I understood this as even though my week is chaotic get what I can done and it’s ok to take a rest day as we all deserve it … but I could be wrong I’ve very new at reading the Bible cause it also said god rested when his work was complete ? Do we work hard and get our task done and make sure we take a rest day long as our work is complete?

  32. Emily Booker says:

    Beautiful ♥️♥️

  33. Brandy Deruso says:

    Lord I thank you!

  34. Tina Harris says:

    I agree, my husband and I have very different ideas about what resting looks like, him being an “absolutely nothing person” and me being a “find an activity that brings life to me” person. I think it’s important to recognize that sometimes both are needed. There are days when I absolutely need to lay on the couch and do nothing and there are days when my soul needs to do something outside of my daily chores and tasks that brings life.
    I really found episode 258 on the Lazy Genius Podcast helpful to me in seeing some ways that rest can look different and still be rest. Hope it helps and can bring you a little permission to find things that bring rest to your body and soul.

  35. Tina Harris says:

    I agree, my husband and I have very different ideas about what resting looks like, him being an “absolutely nothing person” and me being a “find an activity that brings life to me” person. I think it’s important to recognize that sometimes both are needed. There are days when I absolutely need to lay on the couch and do nothing and there are days when my soul needs to do something outside of my daily chores and tasks that brings life. I really found episode 258 on the Lazy Genius Podcast helpful

  36. Tina Harris says:

    I was really struck today as I read the creation story about how vague the description of God’s rest is. He could have laid out exactly what it looked like for him to rest but he didn’t. Does anyone else get the impression that that feels intentional? That the vagueness gives permission for rest to look different to different people in different seasons? The vagueness in itself gives my soul rest, knowing that there isn’t something it has to match.

  37. Sara Hannold says:

    Sabbath keeping helps us to live
    within our limits, because on the
    Sabbath, in many different ways,
    we allow ourselves to be the creature
    in the presence of our Creator.
    Ruth Haley Barton ❤️

  38. Devin Howell says:

    I see and feel all the comments about not knowing what rest looks like with children and so many tasks. Our pastor’s study on the subject offered to us an explanation that you don’t do anything ‘revenue generating’ on that day, that you do try to spiritually replenish you and your family, and that you can “actively rest” to spend quality time with your family, which is pleasing to God. For example, a nature walk with your kids is great quality time, burns off energy, could give you an opportunity to share about God’s creations with them…and hey, bonus, it might lead to a nap. But, don’t spend Sunday evening on your laptop prepping for Monday morning, so that you have stripped away half of your off day prepping for work. Also, remember that you can sabbath on a day that works for you. Our pastor works on Sunday – and observes the sabbath on Monday

  39. Alayna P. says:

    Todays reading was powerful. Especially Ecclesiastes 3:1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 was read at my Aunt’s funeral last week and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. God has a reason and timing for all things.

  40. Alisa W says:

    @Michelle Avins- It’s so hard to “rest” from our work as moms when it is very nonstop at those ages. I have 5 children (9,7,4,3 mo old twins). My husband and I read John Mark Comer’s book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry during lockdown. It definitely helped. We try to sing a hymn at breakfast. I try to make meals ahead of time or we just get frozen pizzas, something that we don’t do all the time. We usually have a special breakfast. We go to church. I don’t focus on cleaning, but just being and resting. If something does REALLY need cleaning (ex. 4 year old had a toilet accident) or help I focus on how that helping is something that brings life. It also helps to have a different mindset to know that God is our provider and will take care of us. My husband used to turn off his phone which would help him focus on our family, it encouraged me to focus on us as well, even though I didn’t turn mine off.

  41. Mandi D says:

    As a mom of 7 with my youngest being 15 months, it’s hard to truly rest. I think on the SRT podcast the guest this week said Sabbath rest was resting from your actual work. As a SAHM it feels like my “work” never ends. But I decided to not clean, do laundry, run errands on Sunday. I spent time WITH my kids instead of trying to take care of everything around the house. I took a nap with the baby and didn’t feel guilty about not using that time for something productive. It’s trusting God that things won’t fall apart when we take a day off, however that looks in your season of life.

  42. Mandi D says:

    AZ Walker, I’m glad you were able to listen and enjoyed it! It was a timely message

  43. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  44. J AC says:

    Bailey- I haven’t listened to the podcast, but I understand the speaker’s point of view. With young children, you are always in motion and little rest happens. But I also understand what she was saying about doing things that “refresh” her family. We have started eating special breakfast after church on Sundays. It is an intentional time for our whole family to focus on one another and the special breakfast sets it apart from other days of the week. We try to be more present with one another. I know there are certain activities that are energizing and life-giving. Perhaps that is what she means.

  45. AZ Walker says:

    I listened to the church service that Mandi D recommended from Josh Howerton, Lakepoint Church on the Sabbath and inviting in the presence of the Lord. He said you can turn off your phone, take a walk and listen to worship music, doing whatever helps you experience the love of the Father and refresh your soul. He also raised children and made some really good points. Thank you Mandi!

  46. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I see many other moms here wondering how to rest with young children. I used to be really good at being intentional about resting before I had two kids. Now there is always something to do, and it can be so hard to rest. I have noticed that God will give me pockets of rest throughout the day. Times when both of my girls are napping at the same time, or when they are occupied with playing. I know rest may look different during this season, but I pray that I can still find it.

  47. Adrianne says:

    There is a time for work and a time for rest. Our Lord shows us in this reading to use our time to work and then to set aside time to rest. I really need to learn how to make sure that I rest and not feel guilty about it. A lot of us work, work, work, but we need time to put down our head so that we don’t burn out.

  48. Darcy Autry says:

    It is neat how God separated the days with the individual tasks (for lack of a better word) of creating and then followed it with a day of rest. God could have created everything in an instant and certainly doesn’t need rest to recover. He did this as an example for us- what a sweet reminder that we don’t have to scurry around trying to get everything done in a single day but rather can slow down and be more purposeful with our day

  49. Jordan Parker says:

    I pray i can understand for myself the difference between rest & sloth.. I struggle with this a lot. How do I define rest? I try to keep myself busy most of the time to avoid rest… I know rest should be used to indulge in His word, but sometimes i find myself divulging into other things. Please pray i find my peace in the silence of rest so I may truly devote my time to Him. This is day 1 for me giving myself those moments.

  50. Kimberly Z says:

    “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” – Genesis 2:3. I never really understood the reasoning for the sabbath or why we do it. It’s not just for a little bit of rest but to truly REST in the word of God and all this promises for us. I know I struggle to rest with the season of life I’m in and constantly struggle between not doing enough and doing too much. Am I dating enough? Am I outgoing enough? Should I just rest and not worry about dating? The same goes for other areas of my life as well. Finding a healthy balance can be hard but that’s when we find strength in the Lord. @MARI praying for your car situation! Praying the right one will come up soon.

  51. Marnie Bartleet says:

    I have read this story and chapters in Genesis but it was the first time I’ve ever noticed the river isn’t that they were named. It’s also the first time that I noticed God allowed Adam to name all the animals. This time I also heard that God followed Adams lead when he decided that he needed a companion and help. I love that god has shows us the standards for rest and work from the beginning. I do find it interesting that I sometimes forget that god worked for six days not just five.

  52. Marnie Bartleet says:

    14 And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the

  53. Kelsea Terry says:

    As a mom of four young kids I need to prioritize rest and not feeling guilty for it! I have a constant to do list in my head so making Sunday a rest day is much needed so I can give my all to God and my family!

  54. Kelsea Terry says:

    As a mom of four young kids I need to prioritize rest and not feeling guilty for it! I have a constant to do list in my head so making Sunday a rest day is much needed

  55. Cynthia Johnston says:

    I love the verses in Genesis where God presents the creatures to Adam to name them and how he does not find a helper suitable. God allows Adam to feel his own need for a helper. We have The Helper in God’s Holy Spirit. May He guide us as we seek rest in our seasons of life. Praying for your requests as I read them. Happy Wednesday, Sisters!

  56. Regina Clinton says:

  57. Dorothy says:

    Every time I read Scripture I pick up something new, something I never noticed in the previous times. I noticed one thing this time, in Genesis 1:2 “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” I had never noticed it said “the Spirit of God”.
    Also, every time I read the first part of Ecclesiastes 3 I think of the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds because the use some of the words from the Scripture in their song. (I guess that dates me — I am going to be 64 on the 15th of this month.)
    Sisters, be blessed and know God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are with in every season of your life all you have to do is ACKNOWLEDGE them.

  58. Debbie Forschen says:

    Good for you!

  59. Lara-Turiya Molitschnig says:

    Carly! I totally agree with you. I too, as well as my husband, struggle with taking a day to rest. Still don‘t really know how, but will do my best and hope God will help me to do it.

  60. Danielle Patrick says:

    I love how God took time to rest and appreciate all he had done. It serves as a reminder to me, to also rest and reflect back on my own efforts. Sometimes when I get caught up in the day to day of everything it’s hard to remember to appreciate how far I’ve come and truly integrate my efforts. Doing so really helps me have compassion for myself instead of feeling like I’m not doing enough

  61. Kelly Yager says:

    @Barbara Stacy and @Tara B, thanks for asking and confirming this for me as well. I love the devotionals from some of the other studies, but the shorter summaries are causing me to spend more time reflecting on the actual Scripture. I think both ways are beneficial!

  62. Lucille Richardson says:

    Oh Michelle, I hear your frustration. Five minutes at a time. Put your feet up and breathe deeply. Maybe you can only do it for one minute at a time but even that one minute will help.

  63. Carly S says:

    I was actually talking to a friend yesterday about rest and Sabbath. He has done a great job at intentionally taking a day each week to sabbath. I was explaining to him that I’m not so good at that, but have been good at slowing down my life. The next step is for a time of Sabbath! I need that rest so much. I am loving this study!

  64. Donna Wolcott says:

    As I look back on times in my life, I think God has caused some events to cause me to, “slow down and rest in Him”. I need to be more purposeful in my “God rest”. Welcome all you new She’s! May you each find some rest today.

  65. Mari V says:

    Most times I just want my ”mind” to rest. I feel like I always have something on my mind and I just want to “rest”. I’ve been intentional about letting myself sleep and stay in bed without looking at the time until my alarm goes off. However, during those sleepless wee hours of the morning, I pray for loved ones, I ask God for direction, I pray for my children. Last night I watched The Chosen, I was so excited because I felt like I was watching the Word of God come to live And I watched some of the testimonies afterwards. It was so good to see lives changed. Happy Wednesday sweet She’s.

  66. Tara B says:

    Hi @Barbara Stacy- the short paragraph is the summary for this study. More like a reflection on what we read in the Scriptures that day. Each study is different in that since. Here we are meditating and praying on the Words God spoke and were written about rest. In other studies someone will write a short devotion to go along with the Scriptures. I hope that helps.

  67. Michelle Avins says:

    Ideas/thoughts on how to include an intentional day of rest with 4 kids 5 and under?

  68. Sharon Jones says:

    God’s example of rest, the Jewish legalism about rest and Jesus turns Sabbath on its head. I really don’t think I have a great definition of rest and it might make an interesting conversation this week with my coworker. What really is rest – secular idea and the biblical idea hmm

  69. Verna Miller says:

    As a homeschooling mom of five, I made a habit of catching up laundry, cleaning, shopping, etc. and doing everything I could on Saturday so Sunday could be a day of rest. And yes, the kids helped!

  70. Barbara Stacy says:

    Where is the summsry?

  71. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    God rested from all His work. He took six days to complete everything, but then He rested – not because He was tired, but because His work was finished. God has put in place an example for us to follow. We have six days to complete whatever it is we have to do, but then there is day seven – a day to rest. As someone else mentioned, God begins the first day of the week with rest. If we all followed that pattern, we would have such an easier time of our week ahead. Rest in God, take time out, breathe Him in and then – face our week. If we fail to follow His example, we become tired, weary, over burdened – and yet God is so gracious and merciful to remind us through the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 – “come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Father God may we all take the time to carve out that special time of worship through rest, listening and reflection. Amen

    A blessed Wednesday to all my SRT sisters!

  72. Sarah Ritchie says:

    I have practically given up on weekends including “rest”. I am a full time teacher, wife, and mother. Everything that can’t get done during the week is pushed to the weekends. The only time I’ve been able to carve out for myself (and for God) is early in the morning and it’s sacred. I am hopeful that rest can look different during different seasons of life and that that is ok.

  73. Kathy says:

    Several months ago my Sunday School class did Jen Wilkin’s book “The Ten Words”. It’s about the Ten Commandments. Since doing that book I have tried to be very intentional about how I spend my time on Sundays. My husband is on staff at a church so it’s very easy for Sundays to become the busiest day of the week. I haven’t got it all figured out and I get really discouraged at times, but God is gracious and keeps pointing me back to intentionality. I can really tell a difference in my week when I’ve rested and when I haven’t. Very thankful that God has given us the gift of rest.

  74. Holly Jarvis says:

    That was what spoke to me from the scripture this morning as well, that God took His time, and enjoyed the results from His work as He created, so every task is beautiful to Him.

  75. Rebecca W says:

    Praying that everyone finds rest in our Lord in some way, shape or form, every single day. Let me find my rest in Him. ❤️

  76. Jen Janssen says:

    What a beautiful picture and guide that we are to rest! And that our true rest comes from resting in our Lord. That we can not only have physical rest but we can rest all of our cares on him because His burden is easy and his yoke is light. Such a wonderful study!

  77. Rhonda J. says:

    Beautiful Rest. The thing is that that word brings about such different feelings today than it was first intended. It seems it is used to break from overwhelming busyness or mental stress; “you should rest.” But to REST in Jesus, to honor him, obey and soak in his goodness. To be still and know that he is God, to read his word, pray and meditate. I can’t help but think of the last episode of “The Chosen” that produced a powerful, powerful scene of the scripture we studied yesterday. We watched it at the theater and again last night. Peter walking out to Jesus on the water, then turning his eyes in fear and begins to sink, then grabbing out to Jesus’ hand. Wow. It was nothing short of incredible. You can find it on youtube for today and tomorrow.

    Lets reach for Jesus’ hand, he wants to embrace us and give us rest from fears, anxiety, troubles, afflictions, worry. ALL. There is nothing too great for him. It made seem impossible, but he is a God of wonders and miracles. In him everything is possible. If you have the faith of a mustard seed you can move mountains..He can move mountains. But you must have faith, and cast your cares on Him!

    Psalms 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will not let the righteous be shaken!

    P.S. I am excited to start our first small group today in an hour at church “Enduring Chronic Pain!” I pray God will move in be a blessing to those that come! I am nervously excited!

    (Great to see you this morning Foster Momma and Heidi yesterday! Missing you Jennifer Loves Jesus! Welcome all new She’s, we are so happy to have you!! )

  78. Bailey Gainous says:

    Listening to a podcast yesterday, the guest said that her Sabbath isn’t necessarily actual rest because she has young children. And a mama’s work is never done. BUT, she said she finds activities that “refresh” her and her family. Wondering what y’all think about this?

  79. Jeanie Mclellan says:

    Amen

  80. Foster Mama says:

    Good morning SEARCHING ❤️, thank you for reaching out several days ago; I never seem to do my reading before you so I hope you get my greeting today.

    TAYLOR, that was SO interesting and beautiful.

    It is so precious that God calls us to rest…sadly, too often, I do not use my “rest” to get closer to Him but, for other things. I pray I can change this.

  81. Jenny Somers says:

    Amen, sister!

  82. Libby K says:

    That’s a wonderful perspective! It makes rest seem more like a careful form of worship instead of feeling like I need to plow through when I know it’s time for rest. Thank you for sharing this!

  83. Lauren Ruhe says:

    Something that (as the mother of two young children) I often neglect is intentional, worshipful rest. Not mindlessly scrolling social media, or zoning out in front of the TV, but TRUE rest. My prayer is that this study reminds my heart what resting in the Lord means. ♥️

  84. Kasey Evans says:

    ❤️

  85. Erica Christian says:

    Arina, thank you for giving me something to really think about! Our God delighted in His creation and rested to enjoy it. I honestly don’t remember the last time I rested and actually enjoyed everything the Lord has created in my life.

  86. Danielle B says:

    So often rather than Sabbath being a day of rest it becomes another day to fit something else in or do one more thing in the weekend. I must remember even if the work isn’t done God wants rest, which is so refreshing for the soul.

  87. Taylor says:

    How cool that the podcast I’ve been listening to for my young adult group talked about Genesis 1 and that that FIRST message God wanted to communicate to His people in the Bible is the importance of rest. The Israelites would have received Genesis shortly after being liberated as slaves from Egypt where they didn’t have any rest or any days off. While in Egypt as slaves, the Israelite’s entire identity/worth was about how much they could produce. In Genesis 1, God is flipping the script and teaching the Israelites that their worth and value does not come from how much they produce, but WHO THEY ARE. And how true for us today in our society so wrapped up in production, creation, and work?! Also cool that in Genesis 1 it states “and there was EVENING and there was morning” which is backwards from how we think of a day. In the Jewish conception of time, the days start at sundown so the first (and most important) thing you do each day is REST. Also cool to learn there was no “evening and morning” phrase for the seventh day; therefore no end to the rest that God invites us into. I’m excited to get together with my group tonight and discuss all the cool things I’ve learned from this podcast! It’s called the BEMA podcast if anyone wants to check it out :)

    I hope everyone has a blessed day! <3

  88. Sally B. says:

    Praise our awesome God for His amazing creation! How it reflects His character in it’s order and beauty and intricacy and….. And how it gives us rest for the body, mind and soul when we stop to observe and interact with it – just like God did after He had completed all His work!! (You all don’t miss the podcast – it’s especially rich!!)

  89. Aimee D-R says:

    Rest is holy. Hallelujah!

  90. Leah Hill says:

    Aroma, that word delight caught my attention. I have to ask myself, when was the last time I truly delighted in anything? Where are the great pleasures of my life?

  91. Samantha M. says:

    I love how God made man’s first whole day on earth to be a day of rest. Maybe it’s a reflection of how we need to rest in God in order to be productive and effective in our work?

  92. Heather Landers says:

    Arina, I cannot recall a time ever that I have read or studied these verses and had the thought, “God could have created the earth in one day, with one word.” That truth is very enlightening for me this morning. Thank you for sharing!

  93. Searching says:

    So many gifts the Lord God has given us, including and especially Rest. I have overlooked and unappreciated it for so much of my life. As others have pointed out this week, the world may call it laziness but a day of rest was specially designated for us to spend time with God, honor Him, seek His guidance and wisdom, regroup, rejuvenate, focus on His will in our lives, and thank Him for His love, mercy, forgiveness and grace – prioritizing my relationship with Him rather than squeezing Him in among other things.

    TINA – loved what you said today. Now I’m trying to get that tune out of my head :)

    Praying all of us get the rest we need.

    MARI – I’m still praying with you about a car!

  94. mary kirby says:

    God rested and it was good!

  95. Blessed Beth says:

    Oh Tina it is so true we need to rest and regroup because we didn’t we would just do and do ( as so many do). But we are created to rest, to take in and appreciate what God has gifted us with and allowed us to assist Him with.

  96. Elaine Morgan says:

    Thank you Father for all you have created. Thank you for establishing a time of rest for us. May we find rest and peace by abiding in you.

  97. Joy V says:

    To the four early birds who posted ahead of me this morning, I, too, am awake early and contemplating the scriptures and your comments on rest. Rest is so necessary and so desirable yet sometimes so difficult to obtain. Thankfully our God is with us whether we slumber or lie awake.

  98. Kelly (NEO) says:

    The way God created the world established rhythms that He wanted His creatures to follow. Every day connected to the next and built on something from the previous one so the foundation for the created things/creatures was in place beforehand.

    SEARCHING – thanks for the update on Shannon’s mom

    SHARON JONES – praying for your mom’s healing

    CHURCHMOUSE – praying for Lewis

    VICTORIA E, KAELA KELLY, INDIANA CHRISTINA- praying for your pregnancies

  99. TIna says:

    Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1, reminded me of a 60’s song by the Byrds..

    To everything (turn, turn, turn)
    There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
    And a time to every purpose, under heaven
    A time to be born, a time to die
    A time to plant, a time to reap
    A time to kill, a time to heal
    A time to laugh, a time to weep
    To everything (turn, turn, turn)
    There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
    And a time to every purpose, under heaven
    A time to build up, a time to break down
    A time to dance, a time to mourn
    A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
    To everything (turn, turn, turn)
    There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
    And a time to every purpose, under heaven
    A time of love, a time of hate
    A time of war, a time of peace
    A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
    To everything (turn, turn, turn)
    There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
    And a time to every purpose, under heaven
    A time to gain, a time to lose
    A time to rend, a time to sew
    A time for love, a time for hate
    A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late..

    Words written 2,000 and beyond years ago still holding court in hearts thousands of years later!

    BUT GOD..

    But God’s Truth never dies!

    God’s Truth never changes EVER, in the transition of time or season!
    Whatever the trials or joys..
    To, in and for ever season, Rest must follow..
    For..
    Regrouping.

    Reassuring.

    Reassessing.

    Regenerating.

    Replenishing.

    Restoration..

    BUT GOD.
    He rested on the seventh day of creation, Yes, yes, yes, yes 7 times God observes of His work “It was good” not because He was tired but because, I believe He had created all He was going to to make our world.
    He didn’t need to rest as we do after a shift at work, His was that He downed tools to draw breathe, stand back and observe how very good it all was..

    Resting in God is good. For since the beginning of time, God has observed and declared.. ” IT IS GOOD!

    AMEN..

    Happy rest-filled Tuesday ya’ll. Rest in Him who created the heavens and earth, declaring and seeing that rest is necessary to see how good it is!

    Blessings!❤

  100. Arina says:

    God could have created the earth in one day, with one word. Instead He took His time. Not rushing through the process, but carefully giving His attention to every piece of creation. And when the work is finished another day of rest. Taking time to delight in His creation. Slowing down, resting, it’s a sign of love. A way to show your care for yourselve and the things you are making.

  101. Colleen DeVeau says:

    This morning as I have trouble resting, trouble falling back asleep, Father, I know You are there. I know You are close. I thank You for creating a time for everything under heaven including rest and work.