Embracing Rest and Stillness in Uncertain Times

Imagine a singer that never took time to breathe. Even in music, we see the pattern of rest. Beats of silence give musicians time to breathe so they can prepare for the next part of the song. These periodic breaks add elements of surprise and excitement, which make the music more beautiful.

Sometimes, we need to pause. We need to breathe. 

Spiritual Rest in Scripture

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God.

As believers, we can get so caught up in what we do for God. Running from here to there serving the Lord as much as possible. It is emphasized throughout Scripture that we are to use our gifts and abilities to build the kingdom of God. But we also cannot sprint to the finish of our long-distance race. We must make time to rest, which will help us run at a steady pace we can maintain for long periods of time. 

Quarantine: A Time for Reflection and Rest

I personally desire to take advantage of this time of quarantine and lockdown due to the coronavirus by focusing on simply being with the Lord. Now is a great time to reset our focus and realign our priorities. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it can be hard to step back and relax. But rest is a key rhythm for long-term sustainability. 

I used to think that if I did more work for God, I would produce more fruit. However, Jesus’ words seem to point to the opposite. 

The Fruit of Abiding in Christ

John 15:4-5

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

When we abide (live, dwell, remain) in Christ, we will bear much fruit. An abundance of fruit and kingdom building is accomplished through rest. God produces the fruit in us, apart from Him, we can do nothing. 

The Lesson of Mary and Martha

There is a story in the Gospel of Luke that illustrates this concept perfectly.

A woman named Martha invited Jesus and His disciples to her home. She ran around frantically, busy with all the preparations that had to be made. Meanwhile, her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to what He was saying. Exasperated, Mary cried out, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus gently responded by explaining that Mary had chosen what is best, and it would not be taken from her. 

It is so easy to be like Martha. We are often distracted by all of our daily obligations and even the work we do to build the kingdom that we forget to sit and listen. We forget to make time to be still and create space for God to speak to us. 

Embracing Stillness in the Battle

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

I encourage you to join me in learning how to rest as you work. Many battles can be won, and much fruit can be produced through an attitude of stillness.