Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands of life? Do you find yourself running on empty, desperately needing a break? As we approach a new year, it’s the perfect time to consider how we can build more rest into our lives – not just physical rest, but true spiritual rest in Christ. Let’s explore how we can create a Christ-centered plan for the coming year that prioritizes rest and renewal.
The Foundation of Rest
In Exodus 20:8-11, we find the commandment to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. But Sabbath doesn’t mean what many of us think it means. In Hebrew, Sabbath actually means “rest.” God has laid on us the “burden” of taking time to rest!
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:8-10)
This isn’t about rigid legalism, but about creating space in our lives to enjoy God and be renewed. As we plan for the coming year, we need to ask ourselves: What do I need to remove from my plate to make more time for Jesus?
Planning on Creation Rhythms
God has built rhythms of rest into the very fabric of creation. We see this in the weekly Sabbath, in seasonal feasts and celebrations, and even in our need for nightly sleep. Are we honoring these rhythms in our lives?
Some practical ways to build in rest:
- Make weekly worship gatherings a priority
- Create device-free times, especially in the evenings
- Start and end your day with brief Scripture reading and prayer
Planning for Our Health
Jesus reminds us in Mark 2:27 that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Rest isn’t about impressing others with our spiritual discipline. It’s a gift from God for our wellbeing – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As you create your plan for the new year, ask yourself: Will this aid my physical and spiritual health? Will it lessen burdens as I entrust my life more fully to Jesus?
Planning Relationally with God
Perhaps most importantly, we need to approach rest as a relational activity with God. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against practicing our righteousness to be seen by others. Instead, He encourages us to pray, fast, and give in secret, cultivating an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)
As you consider spiritual disciplines for the new year, remember it’s not about impressing others or even about your own effort. It’s about drawing near to a God who loves you and has already done the work to make relationship possible through Jesus Christ.
Putting It Into Practice
As we head into the new year, here are some practical steps to consider:
- Identify one thing you can “extract” from your schedule to make more space for rest and time with God.
- Choose a consistent time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to read Scripture and pray before looking at your phone or other devices.
- Plan regular times of true Sabbath rest – perhaps a weekly evening or day focused on renewal and delight in God.
Remember, Jesus invites us: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). As you make your plans for the new year, center them on this invitation from Christ. He is the source of true rest for our weary souls.
Follow Jesus With Us!
Looking for a welcoming church in Killeen, TX where you can grow in your walk with Jesus? Grace Bible Church is a non-denominational church dedicated to helping people follow Christ through Biblical teaching and authentic community. When searching for a “church near me” in Central Texas, you’ll discover our local church is more than just a Sunday gathering—we’re a family of believers passionate about living out our faith together. Experience the difference at Grace Bible Church this Sunday, where your journey of following Jesus meets a supportive community of believers. Join our Killeen church family as we pursue Christ together through worship, discipleship, and genuine fellowship.
Recent Comments