Day 17: Contribute Through Rest

Focus Area - CONTRIBUTE
Using our gifts, talents, & resources to glorify God & serve His kingdom.
Scriptures: Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 62:1

Reflection: Rest is a gift from God that renews our strength and helps us rely on Him.

Expanded Focus
Rest is not simply the absence of work; it is an intentional act of trust in God’s provision and care. Matthew 11:28-30 offers one of the most comforting invitations in Scripture: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus promises His easy yoke and light burden, calling us to exchange our striving for His peace. Psalm 62:1 declares, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him,” pointing us to the ultimate source of renewal and strength.

The word Selah, which appears throughout the Psalms, enriches this understanding of rest. Selah invites us to pause, reflect, and consider the truth of God’s Word. It is a moment to let the meaning of the Scriptures sink into our hearts and to rest in the knowledge of who God is. Just as the psalmist uses Selah to meditate, we are called to include intentional pauses in our lives to reflect on God’s goodness and realign ourselves with His purpose.

In the movie The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, endures incredible hardship as he fights to provide for his son and create a better future. Despite his relentless struggle, there is a scene where Chris finally gets a job offer after months of challenges. He pauses, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, and takes a moment to let it sink in. This moment of rest and reflection allows him to appreciate how far he’s come and renew his strength for the next chapter of his life. Similarly, our Selah moments—intentional pauses for rest—give us time to reflect on God’s faithfulness, renew our strength, and trust in His continued provision.

In the church, rest fosters a culture of care, reminding us to rely on God rather than our own abilities. By modeling rest, we encourage others to honor their limits and trust in God’s sustaining power. Rest also equips us to serve with renewed energy and focus, strengthening our contributions to God’s mission.

Contributing through rest helps us grow with one another by fostering balance, encouraging reliance on God, and promoting a culture of care within our church and community.

Questions to Consider

1. How can you incorporate intentional Selah moments—pauses for reflection and rest—into your daily routine?
2. What burdens are you carrying that you need to surrender to Jesus in exchange for His rest?
3. How does resting in God equip you to better serve others and strengthen your relationships within the church?