THE RHYTHM OF REST

Guided by the Patriarch and Chief Apostle His All Holiness, Sir Darrindel Hoyte-Johnson

Beloved, in an age that glorifies busyness and celebrates burnout, the voice of God calls to us with a counter-cultural and life-giving invitation: the call to rest. This is not merely a suggestion, but a divine principle woven into the very fabric of creation. As it is written, “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2). The Almighty God, who does not grow weary or faint, modelled a rhythm of work and rest for our benefit.

His All Holiness, Sir Darrindel Hoyte-Johnson, often teaches that rest is an act of faith and a declaration of trust. We acknowledge that while we labour, the outcome does not depend solely on our striving. The Psalmist reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:1-2). Anxiety and endless toil reveal a heart that believes everything depends on us. Rest, however, proclaims that God is on the throne.

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THE TESTS OF THE SERVANTS

This sacred rest is not idleness or laziness; it is a purposeful cessation, a Sabbath for the soul. It is in these moments of stillness that we are most receptive to His voice and His renewal. The Lord promises, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15). Our strength is not found in louder noise and greater activity, but in quietness and trust. It is there that He restores our souls and leads us beside still waters (Psalm 23:2-3).

Therefore, let us examine our lives. Have we fallen prey to the vanity of believing our worth is tied to our productivity? Have we neglected the Sabbath principle that God instituted for our healing? Let us courageously carve out time for holy rest—time to be, not just to do; time to commune, not just to communicate; time to trust, not just to toil. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s created order and open our hearts to receive the peace that the world cannot give.

Amen.