By Michael Chidubem
In our fast-paced world, where hustle culture is celebrated, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constant work and striving. But even God Himself set a precedent for rest. After six days of creating the heavens and the earth, He rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This wasn’t because God was tired, but to set an example for us. Rest is not a sign of weakness; it’s a divine principle.
The Bible gives us another powerful lesson on the importance of rest and support through Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. In Exodus 18:13-23, Moses was overwhelmed with the task of leading the Israelites, resolving their disputes from morning till evening. Jethro observed this and wisely advised him to delegate responsibilities to capable men, saying, “You will only wear yourself out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:18). Moses listened, and this not only lightened his load but ensured that he could sustain his leadership.
Similarly, while Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, it doesn’t mean we should do all things alone. God often provides support systems such as family, friends, mentors, and communities so we can share the burden and make room for rest.
Overworking can sometimes be a sign of stress, anxiety, or worry about survival. Yet, Jesus gently reminds us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry about our daily needs. He teaches us to trust in God’s provision, saying, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26). Overworking, then, can subtly reflect a lack of trust in God’s ability to care for us.
Rest is not only about physical rejuvenation but also spiritual alignment. Psalm 127:2 puts it beautifully: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He grants sleep to those He loves.” Rest is God’s gift to us, a reminder to trust Him with our goals, dreams, and daily needs.
As we work towards our ambitions, let’s remember that true success is found in God. By creating space for rest, relying on our God-given support systems, and trusting in His provision, we honour Him and His perfect design for our lives.
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