God Works When You Rest—Two2Grow, June 16
God Works When You Rest—Two2Grow, June 16
“So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh.” Genesis 2:21 NIV
At one point, I thought that the harder you work, the more God will bless you. I worked very long days and took pride in the few hours of sleep I got. But I eventually came close to burnout, and I was surprised that I somehow didn't sense God's blessing when I asked why I had reached that point.
As I studied Scripture, I came to realize that while we are to have a good work ethic and not be lazy (see Proverbs 18:9), it is also important to God that we get enough rest. Rest is part of our responsibility to care for the body God has given us. Sleep is part of our service to God.
I also came to see that one reason why I—and many Christians with me—overwork is a lack of trust in God. It takes faith and discipline to get enough rest. I had to believe that God was at work even while I rested.
A passage of Scripture that brought this truth home was the creation story. What did Adam do when God created Eve? He slept! Adam's greatest blessing came to him while he rested. That speaks of the unearned grace of God.
You can trust that God will work things out for you even when you are not working.
So how much sleep should you get? That depends on your constitution and circumstances. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all answer. But we all know when we are overworking and undersleeping—and that does not honor God.
Father, thank You for caring for every part of me. Help me not to overwork, and help me trust that You are at work even when I am not. I pray that You would bless my sleep so that I get enough rest. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
At one point, I thought that the harder you work, the more God will bless you. I worked very long days and took pride in the few hours of sleep I got. But I eventually came close to burnout, and I was surprised that I somehow didn't sense God's blessing when I asked why I had reached that point.
As I studied Scripture, I came to realize that while we are to have a good work ethic and not be lazy (see Proverbs 18:9), it is also important to God that we get enough rest. Rest is part of our responsibility to care for the body God has given us. Sleep is part of our service to God.
I also came to see that one reason why I—and many Christians with me—overwork is a lack of trust in God. It takes faith and discipline to get enough rest. I had to believe that God was at work even while I rested.
A passage of Scripture that brought this truth home was the creation story. What did Adam do when God created Eve? He slept! Adam's greatest blessing came to him while he rested. That speaks of the unearned grace of God.
You can trust that God will work things out for you even when you are not working.
So how much sleep should you get? That depends on your constitution and circumstances. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all answer. But we all know when we are overworking and undersleeping—and that does not honor God.
Father, thank You for caring for every part of me. Help me not to overwork, and help me trust that You are at work even when I am not. I pray that You would bless my sleep so that I get enough rest. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD