Using the Weekend to Rest

In 2000, George Clooney was interviewed for Mens Journal.  Much of the article dealt with Clooney's increasingly obsessive work ethic.  He would often miss sleep in order to keep up with his hectic and overstuffed schedule.  It was clear from the interview that Clooney was very concerned with his legacy as an actor to the degree that he often put his health in danger for the purposes of getting things done.  As a result, many of Clooney's friends were worried for him as he was often stressed, tired, and disheveled. Clooney had a real problem with the whole concept of rest.  Sadly, Clooney is not alone in his concern.

Once again, like the 51 other times of the year, the weekend has arrived.  For many, the weekend is that time of the week when the list of housing projects and other procrastinated tasks that have been compiled over the last weeks is whittled down.  For others, the weekend is an excuse to be cast of the reasonable responsibilities of adult life and to let the hair down to get a little wild.  But the weekend serves another purpose that is often neglected in contemporary life: rest.

Rest is one of those strange but necessary factors of life.  Our bodies need rest to function properly as much as they need food and water.  It is because of this necessity that rest was inaugurated at the beginning of time.  On the seventh day, God determined for there to be rest.  He did not and does not need rest because His strength and stamina is perfect and eternal.  Instead, God instituted a day of rest for our benefit.

Jesus also speaks of rest.  He says that He gives rest to the weak, the weary, and the burdened (Matt. 11:28).  Though Jesus is certainly speaking of rest in spiritual terms for the most part, He is also echoing Psalm 23, which depicts God guiding man to rest by His hand.  Truly, rest derives from God's gloriously faithful hand of providence.  When we recognize this truth, then we will understand that to not rest would be akin to rebellion from God's design.  Therefore, as another weekend comes and passes, let us take time to rest in the glory of God!