The big difference between our rest from God and simply taking it easy
By Dean Collins
There’s a big difference between the rest we receive from God and simply taking it easy.
Like most everything, we don’t get to pick when our hard seasons subside. Sometimes they last for a short time, but many people of faith know that, for whatever reason, some illnesses, some relationship struggles, some financial burdens, some wars go on longer than we desire and certainly longer than we anticipated. If you read Scripture or even a few of my devotionals about Scripture, you will see many strategies that help during these long and difficult seasons.
Rest from enemies
Learning the practice of Sabbath rest is helpful and even essential, yet most of us have seen that often the battles are ongoing. King David felt some peace when the ark of God was back in Jerusalem. The seventh chapter of 2 Samuel tells us that the Lord had given him rest from all of his surrounding enemies. If you’ve been in a recent struggle, imagine that! Rest from all surrounding enemies.
In that peaceful moment David realized he had the benefit of a house while God was living in a tent. Something just didn’t seem right about that, and David announced he was going to fix the inequity and get God a house worthy of his title and role in the world. It was a nice thought, but God actually didn’t need a dwelling place and told David as much. In fact, God told David he would bless David by establishing his household forever. Not just a generation or two of blessing, but a blessing so far-reaching that even today you and I are experiencing it because of our Savior who came through this lineage.
If you read the next four chapters, you see David is in the groove. He experienced favor that resulted in various battles being won. He did some kind acts like finding and providing royally for Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth and his family. And David and his subjects experienced peace from surrounding kingdoms.
Rest and recklessness
And then David decided to take it easy. In this particular spring, David broke the normal rhythm and responsibility of kings and decided not to go out in battle. He would simply delegate. There is nothing particularly wrong with delegating responsibility; it’s actually a good sign of healthy leadership. But if delegating generates laziness or idleness, then it can create vulnerability to temptation and can lead to both personal and professional problems.
Chapter 11 contains the familiar, tragic account of David and Bathsheba. It’s a story of a king who had eyes bigger than his stomach. He made decisions more tragic than he could have ever imagined. His appetite for pleasure brought generations of pain.
His appetite for pleasure brought generations of pain.
Adultery is not a good thing. Deciding to murder someone to cover up your adultery only reveals the depth of one’s brokenness. Sin has a blinding effect, no matter how spiritually mature one may have been in the past. When one moves from God’s place of rest to simply taking it easy and enjoying comfort, all perspective is lost. Self-centeredness replaces God-centered living.
Rest and tragedy
We all know far too many modern-day stories similar to David’s tragic mistakes. Church leaders, politicians, CEOs coaches, and celebrities have all fallen for the idea that success leads to a range of privileges that do not align with God’s Word or heart. And the results are always tragic.
Whatever our level of leadership, we must all realize the importance of staying focused on the rest that God gives versus the temptation to simply take it easy and self-medicate or give into self-indulgence with activities clearly not in line with God’s Word or plan for us.
Pay attention to the cautionary stories of Scripture. They not only will save you but also save your family from unnecessary pain and tragedy.
Your time with God’s Word
2 Samuel 7:1-3; 9:9-13; 10:9-15, 19; 11:1, 11; 12:7-12 ESV
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
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