Rest

With temperatures as cold as they have been lately, there can be no doubt that winter is here and is going to stick around for a while. With the exception of Christmas, New Year, and the Super Bowl, winter seems pretty useless. The weather is inhospitable. Due to the unfavorable weather, people spend more time indoors, leading to outbreaks of the flu, colds, and Covid-19. Why must winter last for thirteen weeks? All of the events listed above could take place in around nine weeks, leaving four weeks that can be added to Spring and Summer.

It just makes sense. In Spring, the weather warms up, Flowers begin to grow. Summer gardens with yummy watermelon and tomatoes are planted. In Summer, it’s finally warm enough to wear shorts and sandals. School is out. Plus, the time for enjoying swimming, watermelons, and fresh tomatoes has arrived. 

Yes, winter with its cold temperatures, long nights, short days, and barren landscape seems pointless. Except, like with everything else in nature, God has a plan and purpose for winter. God created winter to give the world a break.

During the winter, the earth rests. The ground rests from producing vegetation. Bears hibernate. After the holiday season, people take life a little slower too.

In the Bible, after creating the world and everything in it, God rested on the seventh day. Later, when dictating the Ten Commandments to Moses, God instituted the Sabbath. The Sabbath is one day of rest that is set apart from the other six days. There was to be no work of any kind done on the Sabbath. God ordered His people to take a break.

Rest is good. Brains need a rest from activity and thinking. Depleted energy is restored. Rest also connects people to their Creator.

Rest is mentioned 525 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Clearly, God believes that rest is important. Why? The answer is found in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

During periods of inactivity, rest, people may pray to God. They may read the Bible. Or, some choose to sit quietly and listen to God speak to their hearts.

God wants His creation to rest, so that they can recognize Him. God wants a relationship with the people He loves. God loves people enough that He sent His son to be killed as the perfect atonement sacrifice. This way, all people can know the God that loves them.

So, during this time of extremely cold weather, take a break. Spend some time with God. Rest.