Lights Out - Week 1

Week 1 Recap:

Finding True Rest: More Than Just Sleep

Introduction:

In a world full of deadlines, stress, and constant scrolling, rest often feels out of reach. Many people try to escape through entertainment, hobbies, or late-night phone time, but deep down, these moments never fully satisfy. True rest goes beyond shutting down our bodies for a few hours — it’s about placing trust in the One who provides peace that lasts.

The Struggle to Rest:

Modern life makes rest difficult. Work, family pressures, financial stress, and endless notifications crowd our minds. Studies show that many people stay up late, scrolling for hours, simply to claim a little “me time.” Yet when the lights go out, control slips from our hands. We are reminded that we cannot keep the world spinning by our own strength.

God’s Design for Rest:

From the very beginning, God sets the pattern. After six days of creation, He rests on the seventh. Not because He is limited, but to show humanity a rhythm of life that requires trust. The Sabbath is more than a pause from labor — it is a reminder that we are not in control, that we are dependent, and that we need a deeper kind of rest.

Rest and Dependence:

True rest exposes dependence. When we sleep, we become vulnerable, unable to guard ourselves or manage our surroundings. Spiritually, it’s the same. Trying to earn God’s favor through effort or performance leaves us exhausted. Real rest comes from surrender — admitting we cannot save ourselves and trusting God to do what only He can do.

Learning from Israel’s Story:

The story of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land shows both the gift and challenge of rest. God provides miracles, direction, and promise, yet disobedience prevents some from experiencing the fullness of His rest. The lesson is clear: rest is not simply a reward but a choice to trust and obey. When we strive in our own strength, we miss out on the peace God offers.

Rest in Christ:

Hebrews reminds us that a Sabbath rest still remains for God’s people. This rest is not found in stopping work alone but in relying on Christ. Through Him, we approach God with confidence, receive mercy, and find grace in our time of need. Jesus knows what it means to live in human weakness and yet shows us the way to live in peace. He is the example of true rest — calm in the storm, steady in trial, and surrendered to the Father’s will.

Closing:

True rest is more than a break from activity; it is a way of life rooted in trust. It means surrendering our need for control, laying down our striving, and depending on God’s promises. The invitation remains open: step away from exhaustion, stop chasing temporary escapes, and discover real rest in Him.