There was a time in my life when I enjoyed wearing t-shirts with quotes on them. Some of them were more clever than others, but I remember one of them being a basic black t-shirt with white text that simply read, “Work hard, play harder”.

I’m a firm believer in taking work seriously and being as professional as you can when it comes to carrying out your responsibilities. However, I’m also aware of the importance of being able to turn off and rest. My understanding of the definition of “rest” has evolved throughout the years, but as Christians, we are given a very clear framework in the Bible about what constitutes rest.

In Genesis, we learn that all of creation culminates in rest on the seventh day.

In the Israelites’ grumbling in the wilderness for 40 years, God spoke through Moses and the judgement on his people was that “they shall not enter [God’s] rest”.

In Matthew 11, Jesus himself tells people to “come to [him] all who labour and are heavy laden, and [he] will give [them] rest”.

The reason we can find rest in the Lord is because he has done all the work so that we don’t have to keep striving. Through Jesus’ death, “it was finished” and the debt of sin has been paid. Through his resurrection, death (the penalty of sin) has been defeated. As those who put their trust in Jesus Christ, Christians can find confidence and everlasting security as a saved people – no longer needing to work and toil to save themselves.

There are countless other passages in the Bible that talk about rest, but you will find that whenever the idea is brought up there is almost always some type of connection to the Lord.

Living in a fallen world we have broken bodies that are weak and need things like sleep, food, and exercise. While all these things are refreshing and keep us going, it would be neglectful to not also look after ourselves spiritually.

How do you find rest for your soul?

We all find our ultimate rest in the Lord and enjoy a restored relationship with him and his people. Whether that be spending time alone with him in his word (the Bible) and through prayer, or in community with fellow Christians to build each other up in edifying interactions. That’s where true rest is found.

Since coming back to the city, I’ve noticed that Hong Kong people really love hiking. As a nature-lover myself, I think that we Christians can appreciate these activities on such a deeper level because we know the creator who formed that mountain we’re trekking. When I’m chilling by the beach, I can not only enjoy a good swim, but also appreciate that I worship a God who has the power to part these waters and turn it into dry land should he so please.

Are you tired and weary from the burdens of life?

Come to the Lord Jesus and enjoy a relationship with him! He is the only place where you can find true and everlasting rest.