In our world today, "busy" is a positive word. Many people thrive off of busy schedules and work hard nonstop. If we are not careful, we find ourselves run-down and exhausted, completely depleted of energy. What we need is a reminder to rest. In fact, even Scripture tells us to take time each week to rest from the chaos of life, remember God and His goodness, and recover from the business of the week.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being not busy at all and 10 being extremely busy, where would you rate yourself?
1. What things in our world keep people from resting?
2. Read Exodus 20:8-11, a passage of Scripture where God gives the people of Israel special instructions to follow. Summarize the instruction given to God's people in this passage of Scripture.
Exodus 20:8-11
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
3. Read Mark 2:27. What does this passage of Scripture reveal about God’s instruction to rest?
Mark 2:27
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.
4. What are the benefits of resting?
1. What things are currently keeping you from implementing rest into your lifestyle?
2. What things specifically bring you rest?
3. What step can you take starting this week to implement rest into your lifestyle?
Plan a time together as a group to rest. Maybe plan a time to share a meal or meet for coffee. Get creative! Before you leave today, name a time, place, and activity to enjoy God's gift of rest together.
There are many different ways people rest in our world today. Some people find rest by getting alone and going for a walk, some find rest by gathering with friends, and others find rest by getting lost in a book or television show. None of these things will bring us the rest we are seeking. Let’s turn to Scripture today to learn how to find true rest.
Jesus taught His followers one day that He is the one who offers true, genuine rest. When we come to Him, He willingly offers us the rest we so desperately need. His rest is far greater than any rest that the world might offer.
1. Read Matthew 11:28-30.
Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
2. How do we find rest according to this passage of Scripture?
3. How did Jesus describe Himself in this passage of Scripture?
4. How does turning to Him with our burdens and concerns bring rest?
When we trust God's provision, we can rest in Him. We do our best to serve and honor Him and then trust Him to take care of us. This mindset brings great rest to our weary hearts and causes us to pause from striving and lean on Him.
1. Read Exodus 16:15-30.
Exodus 16:15-30
And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat. 16 These are the Lord’s instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent.” 17 So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. 18 But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed. 19 Then Moses told them, “Do not keep any of it until morning.” 20 But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them. 21 After this the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need. And as the sun became hot, the flakes they had not picked up melted and disappeared. 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much as usual—four quarts for each person instead of two. Then all the leaders of the community came and asked Moses for an explanation. 23 He told them, “This is what the Lord commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.” 24 So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. 25 Moses said, “Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the Lord. There will be no food on the ground today. 26 You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day.” 27 Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. 28 The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? 29 They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.” 30 So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day.
2. How did some of the Israelites violate God’s command to rest?
3. Why do you think some of the Israelites chose to disobey God’s command to rest?
4. How does trusting God allow us to rest?
One reason we might feel overwhelmed and exhausted is that we are not fully following God and letting Him lead us. When He does not have our full devotion, we cannot rest in Him. Take a look at what David wrote about letting God be His shepherd and the rest he found in Him.
1. Read Psalm 23:1-3.
Psalm 23:1-3
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
2. What does a shepherd do? How does your understanding of what a shepherd does impact your understanding of what it means to let God be your shepherd?
3. What does it look like today to let God be our shepherd?
4. Why does following God’s leading bring rest?
1. When considering how to find rest according to Scripture, which of the three areas would you like to grow in: turning to Jesus, trusting God to take care of you, or allowing God to lead and guide you?
2. What steps can you take to grow in that area starting today?
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