by Foong Rubin

When I have pockets of free time or am unwinding after work, I often find myself turning to phone games, scrolling social media or finding a new show to watch. When I finally pry my eyes from the screen, I feel restless and drained, instead of relaxed and recharged. While these activities were entertaining, they were not what I truly needed to have a good rest. 

I have often wondered how to live and work from a position of rest. What does it mean, especially in Singapore’s fast-paced culture, when there is a never-ending list of things to do and challenges in our personal life, work, ministry and relationships?

When we are overwhelmed, we remember the salvation we have is by faith in Jesus and not through the things we do. ‘‘Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5

At the same time, we are called to carry our cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). It seems contradictory, but it isn’t. God’s gift of salvation is what allows us to live for him. Living a Christ-centered life is not easy, and as forgetful people we tend to lose sight of why we do what we do. Spending time with God in His Word and prayer recalibrates and recharges me. I am reminded that He is in control – I only need to follow Him and He will do the rest.

The lyrics of this hymn, Times of Refreshing, encapsulates the meaning of true rest for me.

Times of refreshing
Here in Your presence
No greater blessing
Than being with You
My soul is restored
My mind is renewed
There’s no greater joy, Lord
Than being with You

May we be refreshed in God’s presence daily that we may continue to do the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)!