Rest

Be still, and know that I am God!  Psalm 46:10


A rest-less work style produces a restless person. We do not rest because our work is done; we rest because God commanded it and created us to have a need for it.  Gordon MacDonald




When asked how they are doing, many will tell you that they are “busy,” “behind,” “treading water,” or just “trying to get ahead.”  Chances are you have never heard anyone respond “I’m well rested.”  The rhythm of our lives seems to get faster and faster each passing year and yet in the midst of our crazy busy culture God commands us to “be still” and rest in Him.  At first when we are told in Scripture to rest at first it seems like just one more thing to add to our schedule.  But rest isn’t about adding, it’s about stopping what you are doing.  


Don’t ignore God and His commands.  You’re just not that important.  Jesus, the Son of God, was our example of rest.  Even with His limited time of ministry (3 years to change history), He frequently found time to rest.  Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31.


Truly resting fills us up physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  This weekend and each weekend find time to rest.  It’s God’s idea and you need it!  For more on the importance of rest and how it impacts your life, I encourage you to read Margin by Richard Swenson and Choosing to Cheat by Andy Stanley.

Sabbatical - Part 2

The Old Testament makes it quite clear that sabbath rest is important to God. The Torah contains a variety of God’s commands concerning rest and sabbaticals. Whether a person, an animal, or even the earth there is an appointed time for rest. After a Monday morning meeting with the eldership of our church I will be leaving on sabbatical for the summer and returning when school starts in the fall.

Let me share with you some of the goals I have for my sabbatical this summer.

New Perspective. Spending time away from the daily grind of ministry will allow me to reconnect with the world around me and better equip me to reach the world in which I live and minister.

Spiritual Renewal. When one is constantly teaching and preaching for others it can be easy neglect your personal spiritual growth. I look forward to renewing the spiritual disciplines that sometimes get lost in the busy-ness of life.

Rest. It will be nice for a short season to step away from the stress of the care of the church.

Education. While not pursuing a formal degree at this time I’m looking forward to returning to Oxford University to study in their Summer Programme in Theology. I always find my time in the classroom refreshing. It definitely fills my tank for preaching and teaching.

Time with Family. Ministry hours can become invasive to family time. I am looking forward to being available and connecting with Leslie and the boys this summer.

Renewed Passion and Vision. With this time of rest and refreshment I hope to return with a clear sense of mission and renewed energy for the task of Lead Pastor at Christian Life Church.

Thank you for praying for me while I am gone. You can count on my prayers your way. I will miss you but will see you again soon.

Grace and peace, Pastor Daryl