I used to think that this verse meant that Jesus was going to give me the best nap ever. Back in the day, rest for me was synonymous with sleep, so it made sense that to rest meant not to do anything kind of work or activity.

Now, I think I see that rest is to cease striving. It means that my identity is no longer in what I do but in who God says I am. It means that I work not for worth and validation but from a place of worth and validation that’s already mine. It means that the old saying is true — we fight not for victory but from victory.

Whether I’m Sabbath resting or going about my day from a place of peace rather than stress or striving, I know Jesus’ words are true. I can rest no matter where I am or what I’m doing because I belong to the Prince of Peace.

Lord, give Your people rest. Help them to find Your joy in everything they do and to know that because they are in Christ, they already have victory and acceptance in You. Amen.