Life can be pretty chaotic.
With all the schoolwork, activities, and just keeping up with everything, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Too much to do, too little time. Sound like your life? But guess what? I’ve got some awesome news for you today–rest isn’t just a reward for working non-stop. Rest is the precondition of work. It’s what allows us to thrive, even in the midst of the chaos. Let me state it another way: Unless you start with rest, your output (grades, school, relationships) will plummet.
The solution, let’s begin with the Bible: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1 NIV)
When you read that, what does it make you think? To me, it’s a reminder that finding true rest goes beyond just “chillin” and taking a break. It’s about connecting with God, finding peace deep within our souls, and knowing that our ultimate source of salvation comes from Him.
Diving Deeper: work/school (the stuff you do that’s not relaxing) is actually meant to be a reward for proper rest. I know, it might sound a bit backward, right? We often think we have to work ourselves to the bone in order to earn rest or prove our worth. Read that again.
But here’s the deal—God’s got a different plan. He invites us into a rhythm of work and rest, where rest becomes the foundation for our productivity and success.
Think about it this way: have you ever noticed how much better you feel and perform when you’re well-rested? When you take the time to recharge your body, mind, and spirit, you’re actually setting yourself up for some serious awesomeness. It’s like giving yourself a superpower—a boost in energy, creativity, and focus. So when we make rest a priority, our work becomes more fulfilling, effective, and even enjoyable! In other words, I get it—you might feel like you don’t even have 10 minutes to spare, let alone an entire day for rest. But, if I may present a thought backed by a bit of Biblical authority, I would argue that you can’t afford NOT to take a day to rest.
I totally get it, though. Prioritizing rest can be a challenge, especially with the crazy demands of high school. Tests, projects, extracurriculars—they all seem to be screaming for your attention. But here’s the deal: carving out time for Sabbath is crucial. It’s not just about catching up on sleep (although that’s important too). It’s about intentionally creating moments for yourself to recharge, reflect, and reset.
Remember, Sabbath isn’t just about physical rest—it’s about nourishing your soul and reconnecting with what truly matters. So take the time to pray, read something inspiring, or engage in activities that deepen your relationship with God. When you make Sabbath a priority, you’ll find that it becomes a source of strength, clarity, and inspiration for the rest of your days.
Now, you might be wondering, how do we actually do this? Well, start by setting aside specific periods during the week for activities that rejuvenate you. Maybe it’s hanging out with friends and family, pursuing a hobby you love, or simply getting out in nature. Find what brings you joy and peace, and make it a regular part of your routine. Yes, rest doesn’t have to just be praying and reading your bible like a Monk (though those are acceptable things to do if that’s your vibe). Rest is about reentering your life to keep the main thing the main thing. You can do this with loved ones, nature, and play. The spiritual part of this is inviting God into it. We do this by literally inviting God into it. Example: “God, thanks for being with me on this walk right now, every breath for the next 30 seconds, I’m going to think of how beautiful your creation is.” Easy. Beautiful. Profound.
