Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, used to believe sleep was unnecessary or a sign of laziness. Warren Zevon, a musician and songwriter, is credited with the idea, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” from his 1976 song titled… wait for it… I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, which became the adopted ideology of many of his contemporaries. Bill Gates reversed his position on sleep during a 2023 interview, saying that it’s the key to brain health. Warren Zevon, may his soul rest in peace, left this life at 56, when the average lifespan was 75 years old at the time of his passing.
Thankfully we have the Bible which emphasizes the gift of rest.
We've all heard the 10 Commandments before, right? Can you remember the Fourth Commandment? If you can’t, no worries at all. It’s probably the most forgotten of the 10 Commandments and if it makes you feel better, I had to look it up myself. The Fourth Commandment referenced in Exodus 20:8-11 instructs people to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Sabbath is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Shabbat’ which literally means ‘rest.’ The chapter in Exodus explains that six days are meant for labor and the seventh day, the Sabbath, is for rest and is presented as a gift from God, meant to be kept holy and observed by all. God Himself even gave us an example of rest when He rested on the seventh day after creating the universe and man in six days. God rested on the seventh day not because he was tired and needed a nap, but to show man, His children, to follow His lead. God gave us the Sabbath as time for withdrawal from the worries of daily life, stressors of a demanding job, and as an opportunity to reflect on God's creation and blessings in a state of peace.
Throughout the Old Testament, we saw examples of the Jewish people following the Sabbath as God instructed. But somehow over the years, we managed to take God’s gift of rest and turn it into a bad thing, a thing to avoid. And really I shouldn’t say “we managed,” but that the enemy, the devil, took the idea of rest and perverted it, as he tries to do with all things that come from God. The devil has made us believe that resting is a sign of weakness or that we just don’t have enough time to rest. As adults we have work five days a week, our evenings are filled with cooking, chores, maybe the gym if we have energy still, not to mention a spouse and kids. And then we tell ourselves we have to pack everything we couldn’t do during the week into the weekend, grocery shopping, more chores, catching up with friends, activities for the kids, date night, and maybe church on Sunday. And with a list that goes on and on, the first item on the chopping block is usually rest as we prioritize our go go go lifestyles while the enemy is just kicking back watching us running on empty. All the while God gave us the solution (and commandment) from the beginning. Rest. Are you willing to prioritize and normalize rest for yourself? For your family? For God?
TunaAndyBouna’s personal anecdote:
One Monday morning, I woke up before my alarm and “heard” ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Psalm 46:10. I opened my eyes and thought to myself, did I think that or was that You God? Since I had just woken up, I didn’t really think that was my own thought. Ok, so God is telling me to be still. Hmm, well, guess I better get out of bed and get ready for work. And that’s exactly what I did. And that very day, at work, I got sick because there was some kind of bug going around. I definitely felt God face-palming Himself thinking, “I literally told you to BE STILL” and you just ignored Me. I couldn’t get passed thinking, but I have to go to work. If I actually took a few minutes to think about what I heard, I would have understood God was calling me to rest that day, possibly for multiple reasons. For starters, I would have avoided getting sick. Also, I would have had the day to rest, which was much needed because at that time I was not keeping the Sabbath. I was still in that go go go mindset. And I could have received an important word from God during that time of rest and stillness. That was a much needed lesson for me in obedience and resting, although I still found it difficult to keep the Sabbath. And about five months ago, Fr. Anthony, the head priest at my church, STSA in Virginia, was doing a series titled “In His Steps” and part four was about the Sabbath. If you have the time, I recommend listening to this service. It definitely got me motivated to want to start keeping the Sabbath. And just for good measure, God gave me another message that same day in His fun little way to make sure I would obey:
Psalm 23:2 (KJV) says explicitly: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. This Psalm emphasizes that, like a shepherd of sheep, God leads His flock to delightful rest. Sheep eat grass, and green pastures suggest rich, healthy grass, so not only are they being led to rest in a pasture, but a lush one. Sheep are easily frightened, but like any animal, they need water, so not only are they led to rest near a water source, but one that is serene.
In the face of challenges, Psalm 23 has been a wonderful scripture to reflect on:
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.[a] 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness[b] for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord forever.[g]
Psalm 127:2 (NKJV) challenges the notion of a lack of rest being rewarding: It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
N.J.’s personal anecdote:
As someone who suffered from chronic bloating, hormonal acne, and stress-induced alopecia, I can attest to the unrewarding nature of a demanding career. What I gained in a salary and recognition, I spent on doctor visits, treatments, and supplements. I couldn’t even weight train in the gym the way I did for over a decade — where high intensity training can be a stress reliever, I learned the hard way that I’m designed for ease, flow, and restful living. Everyone is different, but don’t ignore the warnings from your body.
As the dangers of hustle culture and inhumane work demands are discussed more openly, it also reveals the validity of the scriptural litmus test of what is of The World and what is of The Kingdom of God.
Let’s visit the idea of idolatry for a moment.
Biblically, idolatry is defined as elevating anything above the Most High God.
Oppressive managers and workplaces are not a blessing. Prioritizing the appearance of having a strong work ethic over health is a form of people pleasing that is contrary to the word of God. Why? It communicates a willingness to die over an opinion that works against the many directives for rest throughout the Bible.
God says rest. Your boss or coworker calls you lazy and unreliable for taking days off to rest. Who matters more? Do you obey God, Who in actuality is your real Boss. And your Father. And your Provider. Or do you give in to what others may think about you or what they may call you because you chose yourself? Because you chose God.
Referring to work/job/career as slavery or a person as a slavemaster is taboo; however, it’s appropriate here. If you find yourself amid someone who can’t stomach seeing another human being at rest, that is a slavemaster, a cruel taskmaster, and an oppressive personality. There is nothing healthy or Godly about this. However, it’s not the time to get upset or judge; it’s time to pray. And remember, Love is the whole of the law.
Dear God,
Thank You for increasing my understanding and discernment today. Lead me in Your will and in Your way. Increase my awareness of rest and the ways I can be more obedient in this. Open the way for opportunities and environments that align with what You have willed for me. Thank You for Your grace and mercy.
In Your Holy Name, Amen.
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