Why Rest Isn’t Just Doing Nothing
Psalm 92 begins simply: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High." What catches my attention, though, is the subtitle—A song for the Sabbath day. This particular psalm was set aside for a specific time of rest.
In many ways, the idea of dedicating an entire day to reflection and pause feels unusual now. Most weeks move quickly, packed with deadlines and responsibilities. Rest tends to happen in the margins—if at all. Yet here, within the text, there’s a different kind of rhythm suggested. Rest isn’t just a break from work; it’s purposeful, structured around gratitude and reflection.
Morning Gratitude, Evening Reflection—Built-In Bookends
As I read Psalm 92, I notice how the day of rest isn’t left open-ended. There’s an encouragement to give thanks in the morning and to reflect on faithfulness at night. This daily rhythm feels intentional, framing the entire day with moments of looking outward, beyond the immediate demands of life. It’s a different approach to rest—one that adds meaning rather than just the absence of effort.
Trees Don’t Rush (And Maybe We Shouldn’t Either)
One image that lingers is from verse 12: "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." These trees aren’t known for fast growth. Instead, they develop strength and resilience over time. I wonder if this metaphor connects to the concept of rest. Is growth tied to moments of pause? Does stepping back make room for something to strengthen within us?
Rest Isn’t a Scrolling Session
It’s easy to treat rest as something passive. I know I often default to distractions—scrolling through a feed or zoning out in front of a screen—when I finally slow down. But this psalm presents rest as an active practice, something that involves intention and reflection. That idea feels both unfamiliar and appealing.
Can Rest Be a Growth Strategy?
I find myself questioning how this rhythm might work outside its original religious setting. Could the structure of a "Sabbath"—whether a day or just carved-out moments—be applied in a more general sense? What would it look like to build rest around gratitude and reflection in everyday life?
Psalm 92 suggests that rest plays a role in sustaining growth. Like the trees, perhaps strength comes from allowing space for reflection, not just pushing forward. This perspective challenges my typical view of productivity. Rather than seeing rest as a pause from meaningful work, it becomes part of the work itself—nourishing, steadying, allowing space to grow.
Finding My Own Version of Sabbath (Without the Label)
These are ideas I’ll continue to consider as I move through the week. Not necessarily with a formal Sabbath, but maybe with moments set aside to pause, reflect, and recalibrate in a way that feels purposeful.