Life Apps (4) – The Rest App

We are four weeks into our series Life Apps and we have been talking about the principle of doing.  We said that while listening and believing is a good thing, doing is what makes all the difference.  So for the past two weeks we introduced you to two applications that you should apply in your life if you are a Christ follower – forgiveness and confession.  We said that forgiven people forgive, and that genuine confession leads to genuine change.  Is there someone that God is reminding you to forgive?  Are there sins in your life that you need not only confess to God but to others?

Today we are going to introduce Life Apps no. 3 – Rest.  You might not argue with me so much about this one, because after all, we all needed this.  But let me push you a little bit, how do you feel when you wake up in the morning?  Tired and exhausted?  When was the last time you find yourself well rested ready to tackle the day after a good night’s sleep?  Or how about this question, do you feel guilty when you sleep a little longer than usual?  Or take a nap in the afternoon?  Churches teach about spiritual disciplines all the time, fasting, prayer, reading the Bible.  Can resting be a spiritual discipline? Can taking a nap be one of the most spiritual things you do today?

Moving Forward

Your life moves to a better place when you move at a sustainable pace. Our relationships, health, decisions, emotions all move to a better place when we move at a sustainable pace. So consider taking a nap. Schedule a full day to take a break and recharge your batteries. Ask the people closest to you, “Is my current pace sustainable?” and do whatever it takes to move in a more rested direction.

Discussion Questions

1. What kind of person do you become when you are lacking rest? Are you more or less productive?

2. What are the most important things that come to mind when you think of spiritual disciplines? Where does rest fall on that list?

3. Read 1 Kings 19:1-9 where God incorporates a pattern of activity and rest in Elijah’s life, and Matthew 14:22-23, which talked about Jesus’ pattern of recharge. What steps can you take to incorporate rest into the rhythm of your life?

4. Is your ability (or inability) to rest an indication of your trust in God? Why or why not?

5. Would your friends/family say you are living at a sustainable pace?