In our fast-paced world, rest often feels like a luxury. We fill our calendars to the brim, celebrate hustle culture, and measure productivity by how much we accomplish in a day. But what if we’ve been getting it all wrong? What if true fulfillment isn’t found in doing more, but in embracing the divine rhythm of rest?

This is the powerful message behind Reverend Mitch Gieselman’s sermon, Give It a Rest. Rooted in Genesis 2:1-3, he challenges us to rethink the way we view rest, work, and worship. Through thought-provoking insights, personal stories, and even a nod to Bohemian Rhapsody, Rev. Mitch reminds us that Sabbath isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a sacred necessity.

The Rhythm of Creation

The sermon opens with a fundamental truth: God created in rhythm. From the very beginning, the world was formed in a structured, intentional pattern—light and dark, sky and sea, land and life. And after six days of creation, God did something remarkable: He rested.

Genesis 2:1-3 (NIV) tells us:
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

If the Creator of the universe saw fit to rest, shouldn’t we?

Rev. Mitch points out that rest was not an afterthought. It wasn’t because God was tired. It was an intentional act of completion, a way to declare, It is finished. This rhythm of work and rest wasn’t just for God—it was designed for us. It’s woven into the fabric of creation, a divine pattern meant to sustain and renew us.

Why We Struggle to Rest

Despite God’s clear example, rest is something we resist. We wear busyness like a badge of honor. We feel guilty for slowing down. And somewhere along the way, we’ve mistaken exhaustion for accomplishment.

Rev. Mitch identifies some key reasons why we struggle with rest:

1. Cultural Expectations – We live in a world that equates success with productivity. The more we do, the more valuable we feel. Rest, on the other hand, is often seen as laziness.
2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – If we take a break, we worry about falling behind. There’s always another email to answer, another task to complete, another event to attend.
3. Disconnection from God’s Design – We’ve forgotten that rest is holy. We treat Sabbath as optional rather than essential. Instead of seeing it as a gift, we view it as an inconvenience.

But here’s the hard truth: When we ignore rest, we suffer. Our bodies break down. Our relationships become strained. Our spiritual lives dry up. When we refuse to rest, we live out of alignment with the way God designed us to function.

The Sabbath: A Gift, Not a Burden

One of the most compelling points of the sermon is that Sabbath isn’t about legalistic rule-following. It’s not about strict regulations or a checklist of dos and don’ts. It’s about freedom.

Jesus Himself clarified this in Mark 2:27: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

In other words, rest isn’t a burden—it’s a gift. It’s God’s way of saying, You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Stop. Breathe. Trust that I am enough.

So, what does Sabbath look like in our modern lives? Rev. Mitch suggests that Sabbath is more than just taking a day off work. It’s about intentionally setting aside time to:

• Worship and reconnect with God
• Spend quality time with loved ones
• Step away from productivity and simply be
• Engage in life-giving activities

It’s less about rules and more about rhythm. It’s about creating space for rest, renewal, and reflection.

The Consequences of Ignoring Rest

When we ignore the Sabbath, we don’t just feel a little more tired—we risk burnout, stress, and spiritual emptiness. Rev. Mitch humorously references Bohemian Rhapsody, noting that if we don’t learn to “give it a rest,” we may end up crying “Mama, oooohhh” as we crash and burn.

Ignoring rest affects us physically, mentally, and spiritually:

• Physically: Chronic stress leads to illness, fatigue, and even shorter lifespans.
• Mentally: Our creativity and problem-solving abilities decline when we’re constantly exhausted.
• Spiritually: Without rest, we lose sight of God’s presence. We rely on our own strength instead of His.

But when we embrace Sabbath, we find renewal. We regain perspective. We remember that our worth isn’t tied to what we do, but to who we are as God’s beloved children.

Practical Ways to Embrace Rest

So how do we actually start honoring Sabbath in a world that never slows down? Rev. Mitch offers some practical steps:

1. Schedule Rest Intentionally – Just as we schedule meetings and deadlines, we need to schedule rest. Put it on the calendar. Protect it.
2. Unplug from Technology – Take a break from emails, social media, and constant notifications. Be present in the moment.
3. Engage in Worship – Whether it’s attending church, praying, or reading Scripture, make space for spiritual renewal.
4. Do Things That Bring Joy – Sabbath isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about delighting in the goodness of life. Take a walk, play with your kids, enjoy a hobby.
5. Trust God with What’s Left Undone – This might be the hardest part. Sabbath requires faith. It’s an act of trust that God is in control, even when we step away.

Final Thoughts: Finding Peace in God’s Rhythm

At the heart of Give It a Rest is a simple yet profound truth: We were made for rhythm. We were made for work and for rest. We were made to create and to pause. And when we embrace this divine pattern, we find peace, renewal, and deeper connection with God.

So maybe it’s time to stop striving and start resting. Maybe it’s time to trust that we don’t have to do it all. Maybe it’s time to receive the gift of Sabbath with open hands and an open heart.

After all, if God Himself went into the garden to rest and pray then maybe, just maybe, it’s okay for us to rest too.

What’s one way you can embrace Sabbath this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below!