Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:1-3 

Devotion:

It’s the start of a New Year, a time of anticipation and excitement for the year ahead. Our minds begin to race with the possibilities and expectations of the coming year—goals to achieve and milestones to reach—all with the hope that this year will be the best one yet. That is, of course, if we achieve all our New Year's ambitions. The pervasive theme of our culture is: if you can do more things better, then you’ll be content. But, what if this expectation isn’t God’s design?

This New Year begins on a Sunday, the day most modern Christians regard as the Sabbath. Ironically, the day to set Resolutions falls on the day which should be marked by rest! So, as we start this year on the day of rest, let’s consider the question, “What is God’s goal for us in the year ahead?” 

Rest is a rhythm seen all throughout Scripture. Since the beginning, God set an example of rest. In Genesis 2, God rested on the seventh day and made it holy, to be set apart. Rest was woven into the fabric of our being by the Creator himself since the beginning. Although God intended work to be fruitful and fulfilling, sin disrupted God’s design and work became difficult.  

During the time the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, work dominated their lives. Pharaoh considered their value based entirely on their productivity and contribution to society (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?) But after God delivers them from Egypt, he assures them of their value to him and gives them a new identity.

“You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites” (Exodus 19:4-6).

Then, he gives his holy, set-apart people rules by which they are to live: the Ten Commandments. He begins by defining how to live in relationship with him and reminds them of his original design: rest. 

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:8-11).

No longer were they a people marked by a never-ending work day or by exhaustion. Instead, God called his people to be set apart from the world by their rest. This theme continues in the Gospels where Jesus invites his followers to rest in him.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). 

This year, as we consider the goals for the year ahead, instead of starting with goals like more workouts, more healthy meals, more work, what if our goals were to reflect the rhythms our Creator designed for us? More coffees with friends, more time spent reading God's Word, more volunteering in places we can use our gifts, more sitting still in the presence of the Almighty God? This New Year’s, receive the gift of God’s rest.

PRAYER

God Almighty, you are the Creator of our souls, and you know our need for rest more acutely than we ever will. Help us as we learn to slow down, so we can be a better reflection of you. We know you are the Author and Perfecter of our faith; help us to rest in that knowledge and to rest in you today. 

Paige Adams

Graduate Resident - Young Adult & College Ministry

Resources: 

• Watch “Secret of Contentment” teaching series
• Listen to “Song of Surrender” sung by Crossings Venue Worship
• Create a list of ways you can incorporate rest into this new year. Make it your practice to incorporate one of these into each week throughout the year.

Read More Devotions

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions.