The Gift of Rest

Bible Reading: Genesis 2:1-3

Patrick’s dad set the remote control car on a shelf in the garage. “Let’s take a break,” he said.

“But aren’t we going to paint it?” asked Patrick. They had just finished putting all the pieces together, and Patrick couldn’t wait to test it out. “This car’s gonna look awesome in cherry red.”

“We can finish up later,” Dad said. “We’ve been putting that car together for three hours, and now it’s time to rest.”

“But I want to keep working on it!” said Patrick.

“You know, Patrick,” Dad said as he shut off the lights in the garage, “even God rested after creating the world in six days. That means we should rest too.”

Patrick crossed his arms. “But I’m not tired.”

Dad turned to him and raised his eyebrows. “That’s an interesting point. Do you think God rested because He was tired?”

Patrick laughed. “God doesn’t get tired. Does He?”

“No,” said Dad, “He doesn’t. But God set the example for us by taking a break after His work was complete. Jesus also told His disciples to rest after they worked, and He even took some time to relax after teaching and healing people.”

Patrick followed his dad down the hall to the kitchen. “But rest is boring!”

“Well, it doesn’t have to be.” Dad set two drinking glasses on the counter. “God gave us time off work as a gift. It’s supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable.”

Patrick sat down in a chair. “Like holidays or when you get a day off work?”

“Exactly,” said Dad. “And those days aren’t boring, are they?”

“No way! They’re the best because we get to play board games and eat popcorn.”

Patrick’s dad filled the glasses with ice. “Rest is also a time to reenergize and think about all God has done for us. That’s the true reason God wants us to take time to rest when we complete our work—so we remember that our ultimate rest is in Jesus, because in Him the work of our salvation is complete.” Dad went to the fridge and pulled out a jug. “Now, how does cooling off with some of your mom’s delicious lemonade after all that work on your car sound?”

Patrick sat up and grabbed a glass. “That sounds great!” – Annika Klanderud

How About You?

Do you ever get upset when you have to stop what you’re working on to rest? Sometimes it’s hard to take a break, but God knows what’s best for us. Taking time to rest is important for your body and mind to recharge. Best of all, it’s a reminder that our true rest is in Jesus, because He completed the most important work of all—our salvation.

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 2:2 (NLT) On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.

Today’s Key Thought:

Take time to rest