What is comfort?
The talk addresses the meaning of rest, explaining that it is not merely stopping work or giving the body a break, but a broad concept that includes rest of the mind, peace of mind, conscience, heart, body, and spirit, as well as God’s rest in the human being. The talk connects rest with the sanctification of the Lord’s Day, explaining that the day of rest is a day dedicated to God, and that rest on this day does not mean laziness, inactivity, or completely abandoning work. True rest may come from completing one’s work, mission, and duty properly, because a person experiences inner rest when he fulfills what has been entrusted to him. The talk emphasizes that a person may tire his body in order to give rest to his conscience and spirit, or in order to save and serve others, just as acts of love, compassion toward those in need, and solving the problems of others can give a person inner rest.
Spiritual Message
The talk clearly distinguishes between true rest and false rest, because rest achieved in a wrong way may temporarily give rest to the body or soul, but it tires the conscience and spirit and harms a person’s life. It gives the example of Ahab, who found psychological rest when he obtained what he wanted through an evil means, but this was not true rest because it led to the destruction of his soul. Spiritual rest is also shown in submitting to God’s will, so that the words “Your will be done” are not merely forced submission, but an acceptance and love of God’s will, because when a person walks according to God’s will, he experiences true rest. God also finds His rest in the hearts of believers and in the Church when His children do His will and fulfill His purpose, and therefore a person can give God rest when he makes his life proceed according to His will.
Educational Lesson
The talk teaches that physical rest is necessary because God knows human needs, and therefore He gave the day of rest. A person should also avoid what exhausts his body and distinguish between diligent work and work that exceeds his capacity and reaches exhaustion. It also explains that rest of the soul means freedom from fear, anxiety, disturbance, doubt, and continually carrying burdens, and that a person needs to place his matters in God’s hands instead of allowing problems to control his thoughts. Rest is also found in social life, cooperation, hobbies, reading, sports, and recreation when these things are wholesome and do not conflict with spiritual life and responsibilities.
Practical Application
The practical application is for a person to examine his understanding of rest and not make it an excuse for laziness or escaping responsibility, but instead seek the rest that comes from fulfilling his duty, serving others, loving people, and keeping a clear conscience. He should also give his body proper rest, avoid habits that exhaust it, free himself from anxiety and continual worry, and place his problems in God’s hands with trust. The deeper rest is achieved when a person lives in obedience to God and participates in fulfilling His will on earth, becoming restful himself, giving rest to others, and giving God rest within him. The talk also points to eternal rest, while rest in the present life has many forms, especially the rest that preserves the body, soul, conscience, and spirit while walking with God.
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