Reflection: The importance of rest
It is perhaps cruel to have this devotion at the start of a working week; but what better time to reflect on whether we rested properly on the weekend.
For most commentators, this is a story that highlights that Jesus was truly God, having authority over the natural world.
That is certainly what the disciples took away from the incident: “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
They were both fearful and amazed at what he was able to do.
However, I want to point out something else: Jesus slept.
He knew when to rest. He’d been teaching in front of a crowd that was so large, his family were unable to reach him. He was weary, and he slept.
He did not work relentlessly. He did not pour himself out for others while neglecting his own health. He did not deny his need for physical wellbeing.
‘As they sailed, he fell asleep.’
What an encouragement for us to get the rest we need.
Question: Do you observe good patterns of resting from your work, paid or unpaid? Do you deny yourself sleep? If yes, how can you make sure you get more?
Prayer: To the God in whom we can find our true rest, Forgive us for the way we wrestle control away from you by working too hard, forgetting to rest. Help us to learn how to rest well, so that we can be more effective in our working for you. Amen.