Rhythm of work and rest

"All of us are haunted by the work under the work- that need to prove and save ourselves, to gain a sense of worth and identity…. Since God rested after his creation, we must also rest after ours. This rhythm of work and rest is not only for believers; it is for everyone, as part of our created nature…. To rest is actually a way to enjoy and honor the goodness of God's creation and our own. To violate the rhythm of work and rest leads to chaos in our life…. 

"God portrays the Sabbath day as a reenactment of emancipation from slavery…. Sabbath is therefore a declaration of our freedom. It means you are not a slave- not your culture's expectations, your family's hopes, your medical school's demands, not even your own insecurities…. 

"A deeply rested people are far more productive…. 

"We also are to think of Sabbath as an act of trust…. You are not the one who keeps the world running, who provides for your family, not even the one who keeps your work projects moving forward…. God is there- and you are not alone in your work…. It is a chance to mediate on passages like Matthew 6 until deep rest begins to penetrate you…. 

"It is normally through the sympathy and encouragement of Christian friends that we experience God refreshing us and supporting us in our work…. 

"(Jesus) is the only boss who will not drive you into the ground, the only audience that does not need your best performance in order to be satisfied with you. Why is this? Because his work for you is finished…. A Christian is able to rest only because God's redemptive work is… finished in Christ."

Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work: Timothy Keller, Amazon.com: Books

"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30