Real Rest

Series: Restore

Exodus 23:12 

We know God was serious about rest because the fourth commandment stipulated to keep and honor the sabbath. God mentioned the same theme in several scriptures.

Exodus 23:12, “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.”

In the Hebrew the word for rest used in Exodus 23:12 was תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת pronounced ‘tis bōṯ. It wasn’t given in the context of a choice, in other words God didn’t say, ‘you need to consider resting’.

God made it clear…you SHALL rest.

It’s pretty clear why that’s so important many many centuries later.

Men/women today assume taking a whole day off to rest is an option. In many cultures it’s believed a one hour nap will suffice. However, the degree of rest time that is needed today is vastly different.

Today it’s difficult because living in a fast paced culture that places a great deal of importance on success from doing doing doing doesn’t leave a lot of room for resting.

When I was small we used to call a brief rest period a cat nap.

While any rest time can be beneficial, a cat nap was not what God had in mind. The kind of rest here goes far beyond a brief cessation of doing.

This kind of complete rest means we experience a state of great peace and trust in God and God’s creation. Contemplatives (even) today experience  a pause from everyday life, reflection, and some examination.

I say some examination because I find I can get stuck when examining. I’ve learned to keep the examination simple. In other words, what did I see (because I am a  “visual thinker”). What did I learn? And what do I sense God might be telling me?

Knowing your gifts is helpful because God often speaks to us through our gifts.

I am primarily a visual thinker and a visual learner. That seems a little comical because I am legally blind. The seeing is not from an earthly perspective. For me, the seeing is in my mind and heart. Over time I came to believe it might be possible that my lack of sight makes way for spiritual sight.

My road to understanding contemplation with God is unique to me. Your way is unique to you, but when we sit in silence and make space for God the Spirit is ever so good to lead us and open the right doors. As we begin the first step is to let God be in charge.

Let thoughts fly away as they come. And let the Spirit lead you.

Deborah/ acrazyjourneycom.com