Preparing for HarvestSample

Day 3: Rest

Exodus 34:21 says, "Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day, you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest, you shall rest.”

Interestingly, this scripture mentions rest even in times of harvest. One may think that is a natural and obvious time to rest, but it can be easy to jump to whatever is next and miss the celebration before you. I wonder how many harvests I have missed simply because I was too focused on what was next rather than enjoying the present. Rest is a good time to practice contentment. If you are not content, chances are you do not like to rest because you only feel yourself if you are accomplishing a task.

Challenge yourself to rest and spend time reflecting on what God has done in your life over the past year. I wrote down all I had seen God do and was amazed by how much I took for granted and forgot about. We cannot have a time of harvest if we don't make the time to gather. Rest is a command from God, not a suggestion. Make time in your schedule to rest with God. Sleep, go for a walk, listen to worship music, and do what helps you connect with God. He knew we would need times of rest for us to get the most out of this short life he has given us; we are called to create a restful life.