Rest as a gift: working from the grace of rest

David Bowman Nov. 23, 2024

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In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food—yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves (Psalm 127:2)

Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?((Psalm 127:2, The Message)

Years ago, I read, The grace of Eden is the pace of Eden. When we read Genesis 1, we see these words repeated across the days of creation:

There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day (verse 5).

Evening came and then morning: the second day (verse 8).

Rest comes before work. We work from a place of rest instead of resting from our work.

We prioritize rest over work. To work from a place of strength, sharp focus, and maximum creativity, we go first to the place of rest.

Rested muscles perform better. Rested minds think more clearly. Rested imaginations attune more deftly to what is good and pleasing to God and others.

Is there anything better than a good night's rest after a period of travel?

"(H)e gives sleep to the one he loves."

"Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?"

Sleep untangles the knots in our minds and relaxes the tension in our muscles. Sleep is one of God's best gifts. It refreshes and empowers. It renews us and provides fresh starts. It is decorated with dreams. It is adorned with twilight drifting into ever-deeper slumber. It holds us in its grip of grace as we awaken renewed and ready for another walk along the path of our day with our Savior.

Sleep is one of God's gifts we get to arrange for ourselves. We are wiser and better when we practice this rhythm of grace.

I will prioritize sleep so that I may be at my best and work from a place of rest.

Our Father, thank you for blessing us with the grace and pace of Eden. Strengthen us in the discipline of sleep and rest. Empower us from there to live at our best. Amen.

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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