Spiritual PracticesSample

Rest and Solitude

Our world is fast-paced progress and filled with chatter. There’s a rhythm to the world we live in: Plan it, do it, post it, talk about it. Self-revolving, self-proclaiming, constant activity. 

Jesus knew a different rhythm, and it drove His routines. Jesus modeled the rhythm God wants for all of us — purposeful work and holy rest. The Bible shows Jesus healing great crowds of people, and withdrawing to desolate places to spend time alone with God (Luke 5:15-16).

Jesus shows us what holy rest is and what it isn’t. Holy rest is more than the absence of work. Holy rest is intentional, God-centered, and delights us in the Lord.

We feel most refreshed in God’s presence. This is the reason you can nap and still feel exhausted. The rest we crave isn’t just the absence of work, or practice, or school —  although those things help. The rest we crave is what the Bible calls Sabbath rest. 

Exodus 20:8 challenges us to keep the Sabbath holy. To make something holy means to dedicate it to God. 

So if we want to keep the Sabbath holy, we need to think about what draws us close to God. Then, make plans to do those things. 

God and Jesus rested intentionally. God rested on the seventh day (the Sabbath) because He was finished, not because He was tired. Jesus didn’t just stop where He was and refuse to do miracles or teach. He finished His work then withdrew to the wilderness for one-on-one time with His Dad. 

We rarely work until we’re done. More often, we work until we can’t go anymore. We treat rest like it’s admitting defeat, but the truth is that rest was designed for our delight. 

So think about preparing for rest like you’re preparing for a date. Give it the same intentionality and priority in your week. 

When we get alone with God and spend time enjoying His presence, we are energized in ways we didn’t know were possible. Isaiah 58:13 says, “Then you’ll be free to enjoy God! Oh, I’ll make you ride high and soar above it all” (MSG).

Reflection Questions:

• Where do you feel closest to God? What are some places or activities that leave you in awe of God? 
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you currently prioritize one-on-one time with God? What made you choose that number?
• What, if anything, might need to change about your week so your weekly rhythm looks more like Jesus’?