All That Labor
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
In the late 1800s the average American worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week to attempt a basic living. It was an era of United States history when even children as young as 5-6 years old were working in mills to help support their families. Tensions were high across the country. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a holiday. (link to more history on Labor Day)
While many Americans still work long hours, fair pay, safety regulations, and scheduled work breaks have definitely turned the tide in the workplace. However, for those of us who get the day off for Labor Day (because I know everyone doesn’t get holidays off), we graciously accept and enjoy it. Actually, probably a lot of us have a to-do list of projects for today. (*hand raised*🙋)
In our fast-paced culture where we are always connected through technology and are trying to constantly multitask, we have forgotten what true rest is. Our infinite God made us finite which is evident in our daily lives where we can only do so much. We can only go so far. Some of us are more apt than others to keep pushing, keep going, until often we get burnt out or bitter or broken down physically.
I heard an illustration recently how our lives are like an accordion that must be pulled back in to be able to make music. In life we need to pull back and take breaks to be able to continue to live life and “make music.”
Spiritual rest is just as important, if not more so, than physical, because our emotions and physical well-being get a boost of energy when we are “well” spiritually. True rest only comes from giving up and giving in to God. Give Him all your burdens – spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
We should know the Lord highly values rest since He created the Sabbath Day. In the Old Testament strict laws were given to force the people to take a break. In our culture today, we often see Sunday touted as a “fun day” and not the Lord’s Day. Instead of giving a day to the Lord to rest in Him, we use it how we see fit. God did not rest on the seventh day because He was tired, He made it a day of holy rest and holy work for His honor. We must understand the Sabbath is a gift from God to take a break from our normal laborious life.
“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27
Why is resting in the Lord so important? It gives us time to revitalize, reenergize, recoup, and refresh our soul, mind, and body. Even when we think we are “relaxing,” it usually involves still watching a TV show or something that does not truly allow our mind to just be still.
Spend some time each day resting in the Lord by reading His Word, praying, meditating, etc. Honor Him each Lord’s Day by attending a doctrinely-sound, Bible-believing church. We all have things on our to-do list (whether it’s written or in our heads), but we must find time to rest in Him.
It is hard for the Lord to speak to our hearts if we are not coming to Him in moments of solitude to focus on Him. Meditate on the many attributes of our Holy God or some of His promises. Sing a song of praise to Him.
What do you like to do when you rest in the Lord? Do you have a certain time of day you spend time with Him? Are there burdens you need to give to the Lord? Remember this Labor Day that not only do we need physical rest, but we need spiritual rest. 💕
11 Comments
Kathy Little
You do your homework (i.e. research) well! I had not read this background before on how Labor Day began! So interesting! And it certainly makes one quite thankful for the relief God brought to these workers in the industrial revolution of the 1800’s. So how do I like to “rest in the Lord”? I do have my “certain time”…… and it’s the early a.m.! There’s just something about being up in the quiet of the morning, before everyone else’s day has begun. I love it! Just God, me, and the dog…. a cup of hot coffee and the fake fire roaring (and yes….. even in summer! It’s on right now as I type and I’m sitting on the hearth right in front of it!) I hope you and Wade have a sweet day today ….. working on that “✔️list”!! 😂
Leslie
I am NOT a morning person, but once I started doing my Bible reading in the morning, it made all the difference. I look forward to it when I get up each morning. 💕
Kathy Little
I finally figured out to check the block for replies!!! And so today I got the email!! Duh!!
Leslie
Haha! I try to always reply to every comment. I also check the box so I get an email if someone replies back (not on my own blog obviously, haha!).
Carrie Hodges
Yes!! Very good reminder and insight that God takes care of our every need!!
It is so refreshing to know that only God can give us “true rest”!!
Early mornings are such a blessing…to mediate on the goodness of God!!
Leslie
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, sweet friend! Love you, Carrie!
arricahess
True rest is found in Jesus. Amen. I shared a message similar to this last year at a banquet for Single Moms. So many moms out there thinking they just need physical rest but spiritual rest is our only hope!!
Leslie
I have read my Bible since I was a young teen but I feel like I didn’t really have a TRUE quiet time with the Lord until about five years ago. It makes me sad. I had often thought how it would have helped me tremendously back when my kids were babes. But I am going forward now and pray I always have the desire I do now to find rest in the Lord.
Emma
Very interesting to know a little more about the origin of Labor Day! Thanks for sharing that, Leslie.
The Sabbath is an excellent reminder for me to exercise my trust and reliance on God by NOT working, and instead, taking time to study His Word, listen to sermons, think/reflect/refocus, and even take a nap. I used to semi-dread Sundays and Mondays, but now, I think they are my favourite days of the week. It’s wonderful to be able to start afresh! 🙂
Leslie
Sundays are busy for us because we are active/involved at church, but I do love them so. We almost always eat lunch at my parents’ house after church, go home and take a nap in the family room before we get freshened up to go back to the evening service. 😊 Do you have celebrate Labor Day in Canada, Emma?
Emma
Oh that’s so great that you still have an evening service available!!
Yep; we sure do. 🙂