Welcome to another edition of Favor Fridays with Tony! Today, we’re focusing on a topic that is often overlooked but deeply important in our walk with God: The Favor of Rest. As we step into a new year, filled with dreams, ambitions, and opportunities, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life. But amidst the hustle, we must remember that rest is a divine gift, a favor from God that refreshes our spirit, renews our mind, and strengthens our body.
Rest: A Divine Command and Blessing
Rest isn’t just a luxury or a sign of weakness. It’s a divine command. In fact, God Himself modeled rest for us. Genesis 2:2-3 (The Message) tells us, “By the seventh day God had finished his work. On the seventh day he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day. He made it a Holy Day because on that day he rested from his work, all the creating God had done.” After six days of creating the universe, God took a day to rest. If the Creator of the universe deemed rest necessary, how much more do we, His creation, need it?
Rest is more than sleep; it’s an intentional pause, a time to step back, reflect, and reconnect with God. When we rest, we acknowledge that our lives don’t depend solely on our efforts but on God’s grace and provision. This act of trust is a form of worship, reminding us that He is in control.
Examples from the Bible: Walking in the Favor of Rest
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who embraced rest as part of God’s plan:
Elijah:
In 1 Kings 19, after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah found himself overwhelmed and exhausted. He fled into the wilderness, where he told God he had had enough and wanted to die. But God didn’t scold Elijah for his weariness. Instead, He provided food, water, and rest. After Elijah had rested, God gave him renewed strength and clarity to continue his mission.
Jesus:
Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, understood the importance of rest. Mark 6:31 (The Message) says, “Jesus said, ‘Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.’ For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.” Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray and rest, demonstrating that rest is vital for maintaining spiritual strength and clarity.
David:
The shepherd-king David often spoke about rest in the Psalms. Psalm 23:1-3 (The Message) beautifully illustrates God’s gift of rest: “God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Rest restores our soul and helps us stay aligned with God’s direction.
The Importance of Sabbath Rest
In Exodus 20:8-10 (The Message), God commanded the Israelites, “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God. Don’t do any work—not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town.” The Sabbath wasn’t just about physical rest; it was about setting aside a day to honor God, to reflect on His goodness, and to be refreshed in His presence.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to take a full day of rest. But the principle remains: God desires for us to have regular times of rest, where we pause from our labors and focus on Him.
Modern-Day Examples: Learning from Those Who Embrace Rest
In modern times, we see examples of people who have learned the value of rest and reaped its benefits:
Chick-fil-A:
Known for being closed on Sundays, Chick-fil-A has built its business model around the principle of Sabbath rest. Despite being open one less day a week than its competitors, the company consistently ranks among the top fast-food chains in revenue. This demonstrates that honoring rest can lead to unexpected favor and success.
Athletes:
Top athletes understand that rest is as important as training. Without adequate rest, their bodies can’t recover, and they risk injury. Rest allows muscles to repair and grow stronger, enhancing performance.
Entrepreneurs and Leaders:
Many successful entrepreneurs and leaders schedule regular periods of rest and reflection. Bill Gates, for example, is known for taking “think weeks” where he retreats to a quiet place to read, reflect, and strategize. These periods of rest and reflection often lead to breakthroughs and innovative ideas.
Rest and New Beginnings: Embracing 2025 with Renewed Strength
As we begin 2025, let’s commit to embracing the favor of rest. This year holds new opportunities, challenges, and dreams. To navigate it well, we need to be rested and refreshed. Isaiah 40:31 (The Message) encourages us: “But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” When we rest in God, He renews our strength, enabling us to soar above life’s challenges.
Practical Ways to Embrace the Favor of Rest
Here are some practical ways to incorporate rest into your life:
Schedule Regular Rest: Set aside a specific day or time each week for rest. Use this time to relax, reflect, and recharge.
Unplug: In our digital age, constant connectivity can be draining. Take breaks from screens and social media to rest your mind.
Spend Time in Nature: Nature has a way of refreshing our soul. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a weekend retreat, spending time outdoors can help us reconnect with God and find rest.
Pray and Meditate on God’s Word: True rest comes from God. Spend time in prayer and meditation, allowing His Word to renew your mind and spirit.
Take Care of Your Body: Rest includes taking care of our physical health. Ensure you get adequate sleep, eat nourishing food, and engage in regular exercise.
Closing Thoughts: Rest as an Act of Faith
Rest is an act of faith. It’s a declaration that we trust God to provide and sustain us. When we rest, we acknowledge that we are not in control, but He is. Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) invites us: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
This year, let’s embrace the favor of rest, trusting that as we pause, God is at work. Let’s walk in the unforced rhythms of His grace, knowing that He renews us daily. Here’s to a year filled with purpose, peace, and plenty of rest!
Want to see how purpose, rest, and faith come together in action? Check out my superhero novel series, S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. It’s a story about characters discovering their God-given purpose and standing together to face darkness. Visit www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop to get your autographed copy and start your journey today!
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