Devotional from Pastor Chad
A consistent refrain I’ve heard over the last few months is “I’m so tired of this” or something of that sort. Several clergy I’ve spoken to recently have talked about how covid has not only impacted their ministry, but also their family life, vacations, and other activities they enjoy. Several families I’ve spoken to have remarked how though they have started doing many things “as normal” it is burdensome to always have covid in the background. The weariness is palpable.
This last week we explored the first Creation story in Genesis (1:1-2:4a) and talked about the power of story. This story helps us remember that God’s spirit hovers above the chaos and spreads throughout the earth to bring about grace and goodness. The world may feel wild and impossible to navigate, but God’s light pierces through that to give direction, orientation, and love.
One part of this transformative story that we didn’t cover was the very peculiar seventh day. The God of All Creation who is almighty and matchless in power and presence….needed a day off. Fascinating, right? Does God get tired? Why would God need rest? Is that a sign of weakness? What we might recognize here is that God saw fit to build REST into the Creation itself. Although God worked for 6 days, we see that there were seven days of creation. Rest and recharging was named in one of them and clearly was important if God set aside a whole day to do it.
If you are feeling tired and weary, remember this last part of the Creation story. Perhaps, some rest is in order for your mind, body, and spirit. Getting rest is not a sign of weakness, but claiming a gift from God to recharge and renew yourself to love and serve and share in Jesus Name. May the story of Creation inspire you to do so!
Peace,
Chad
