Rest in Peace

“Rest In Peace” is a term commonly used in funerals or graveside ceremonies, but shouldn’t it also apply to our daily lives? Shouldn’t we “Rest In Peace” every night and every Sabbath day? Wouldn’t we wake up with more energy and confidence? 

The Bible encourages us that “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9, NIV) In fact, the entire chapter is focused on rest. 

I’ll never forget a very successful businessman who came up to me one day after church. We became good friends, but I couldn’t help but see the stress and anxiety that seemed to ooze out of his pores. Feeling a burden for him, I prayed and asked him a few questions. It didn’t take long to figure out the problem: he wasn’t taking a weekly day of rest. Working hard six days a week requires one day of rest dedicated to God, rest, the Word, and relationships. Leviticus 23:3 clearly commands: “‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the LORD.’” (NIV) 

The Sabbath is like the tithe: you will make more money, keep more money, and be healthier if you do both. It just requires a little faith and obedience. 

friend, have you discovered the secret of getting more by working less and giving some away? It’s truly incredible. I learned this the hard way when I burned out at the age of 26. I started my first counseling center, then I agreed to be a youth pastor. On my day off, I started another center. It was so exciting. But one morning, I woke up and couldn’t go to work. I was toast. I asked God, “What’s going on? Why do I feel this way?” He gave me this thought: “You’re not exercising or taking a Sabbath day rest.” I instituted these standards over 30 years ago, and I’ve never burned out since. I’ve learned to do more with less time and money. 

I’m praying that you, too, will learn to practice the Sabbath day rest every week. Enter into His rest that gives you peace because you are a miracle. I love you more than coffee!