Rest Days

2 Chronicles 14:6

He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest.

Ever since college, Monday’s been my considered rest day.  It’s the most logical choice considering how weekends overload people like me. My leader even has that strict no-work-related calls or texts on Mondays. He encourages us to do the same, for he expects that we’re all recharged for work the next day. But it’s quite harder now that I’m home based. It calls for more discipline to really set aside Mondays for break, and the rest of the days for work. Yesterday was one of those ‘beating my body’ days. You have to understand that it is during my rest day that I have to clean the house.  And yes, I’d rather do ministry research than scrub the tiles. But records show that if I delay, it’d be a grumpy week for me. For I can’t work in an unclean, disorderly environment. With that end scenario in mind, I was able to talk myself into doing it. I’m glad I did. For now I’m free to do what I really love doing. 

Unlike his father Abijah, whose three-year rule was characterized with war against Jeroboam, Asa’s first years were seasons of rest for the whole land of Judah. The verse above noted that it was God-given. Move five verses up for context and we’d find that it was also God-rewarded. ‘He did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord’.  First, he removed idolatry in all the towns, and second, he commanded Judah to seek the Lord. He put to right use his position of authority to do what’s really good for the people, that is, to make peace with God. And when it was theirs for enjoyment, what they did with their rest was far from how others spend their blessed years. No, they did not sleep all-day nor drink all-night, or thoughtlessly declare extended holidays. Asa instead called everyone to build up the towns and fortify the cities. He also equipped his soldiers with weapons and skills, preparing them for battles whenever. Because true enough, a vast Cushite army soon threatened their doors. But more than their physical readiness, it was their seeking the Lord in good times that pulled them off in hard times. One cry for help and God readily struck down the enemies before them. Not to mention the large amount of plunder they carried off from the enemy camp.

While pondering on these verses, I realized that I myself am given rest on every side: health, finances, relationships, family, ministries. Knowing full well what a down picture looks like and mine wasn’t painted as such, it's a blessed season indeed! But this account of Asa reminded me to ‘be very careful how to live – not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. To not be foolish, but to understand what God’s will is’ (Eph5).  Rest was never in the context of idleness. To us given this trust, stewardship is required. This is our time to strengthen our defenses, to be equipped for soon-battles, and to seek the Lord’s favor. All these will come in handy in days of want.  So save for the rainy days!