“I think for Bob to stay in bed is not the easiest”. These words were emailed from a friend to my wife just after my surgery, suggesting that I do not rest well. On the outside that may appear to be true. My personality coupled with my deep love of work seem to destine me to a life without rest – if, in fact, rest is the absence of activity.

My hope for rest seemed precarious until I read the book of Joshua. In the midst of promising rest, God told the children of Israel to conquer and occupy the land He had promised to them – not activity-free events. Ultimately, rest does not result from what we do or don’t do; it is a gift of God. By the end of the book of Joshua, it says “The Lord gave them rest on every side...”. (Joshua 21:44, NIV) This rest resulted not from the absence of activity, worry, or troubles, but from the presence of God.

Could that be the reason Jesus said come unto me and I will give you rest? (Matthew 11:28) He did not promise that he would take away the difficulties of life; he promised that in Him, there is rest.

Certainly refreshing quiet and Sabbath rest are vital to my well-being but ultimately my rest is found in God and His Presence with me. Will you join me in His presence this week and find the rest we need?