How to Enjoy the Rest Areas of Life: Lessons from Abraham's Journey

 In our fast-paced world, where life's highway seems endless with its twists, turns, and traffic jams, it's easy to overlook the rest areas God places along the way. These are the moments of peace, reflection, and renewal that refresh our souls for the journey ahead. Drawing from the timeless truth of Scripture, let's explore Genesis 21:33-34, where Abraham, the patriarch of faith, teaches us profound lessons on savoring these divine pauses.

The passage reads: "And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days" (KJV). Here, after securing a covenant over a vital well in the arid wilderness, Abraham doesn't rush onward. Instead, he stops at Beersheba—"well of the oath"—to plant a tamarisk tree, worship the Eternal God (El Olam), and dwell there contentedly for an extended time. As sojourners in this world, much like Abraham in foreign Philistine territory, we too are pilgrims en route to our heavenly home. But God, in His mercy, provides rest areas amid the trials—seasons of stability, answered prayers, or simple quiet—to recharge our faith.

For those who hold to the literal, inerrant Word of God, these aren't optional detours but essential stops ordained by the Creator. Let's unpack three key principles from Abraham's example, expanded with real-life applications and engaging anecdotes drawn from everyday believers' stories, to help us truly enjoy these rest areas without squandering them.

1. Plant a Marker of God's Faithfulness

Abraham's first act was deliberate: planting a grove, likely a resilient tamarisk tree that thrives in harsh conditions and provides lasting shade. This wasn't mere horticulture; it was a tangible memorial to God's provision and the covenant just sealed. In biblical times, such markers served as reminders for future generations, echoing Joshua's stones from the Jordan River (Joshua 4:1-7).

In our lives, rest areas often follow storms—perhaps emerging from a job loss with newfound provision, healing from illness, or reconciliation in a strained marriage. Don't just glance in the rearview mirror and accelerate away. Plant your marker! This could mean creating a family altar at home with mementos of God's deliverance, like a framed verse or a journal entry detailing His miracles. Share your story in church testimony time, or even start a blog (like this one!) to proclaim His faithfulness digitally.

Consider a modern example: A young family survives a financial crisis through unexpected community support. In their rest area of stability, they "plant" by volunteering at a food bank, teaching their children about tithing, and regularly recounting the story during family devotions. As Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, "But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth." By marking these moments, we combat forgetfulness, fortifying our faith against future doubts. Enjoy the rest by rooting it in gratitude—your "tamarisk" will shade not just you, but others too.

To make this even more vivid, think of Sarah, a single mother who battled cancer for two grueling years. When remission came—like a cool oasis after the desert heat—she planted a literal tree in her backyard during her recovery period. Each year on the anniversary, she gathers friends for a barbecue under its branches, sharing how God turned her tears into triumph. Or recall Tom, a veteran firefighter who retired after a close call. In his rest area, he carved a wooden cross from salvaged wood, inscribing it with verses of protection, and placed it in his workshop as a beacon for his grandchildren's visits. These stories show how planting markers transforms fleeting relief into enduring legacy, drawing others to the Everlasting God.

2. Call Upon the Name of the Lord

Next, Abraham invoked the name of the Everlasting God, turning Beersheba into a sacred space of worship. This wasn't a hurried prayer; it was deep communion, acknowledging God's eternal sovereignty over fleeting circumstances. In the Hebrew, "called on the name" implies proclamation and surrender, much like building an altar elsewhere in Genesis.

Our rest areas are golden opportunities for unhurried intimacy with God, away from the world's clamor. In an era of endless notifications and to-do lists, these pauses invite us to dive deeper into Scripture, pray without ceasing, and worship freely. For husbands and fathers, lead your household in Bible study during a vacation or quiet weekend. Mothers, use nap times or school breaks to instill psalms in your children's hearts. Singles, embrace solitude as a chance to journal prayers or meditate on hymns.

Imagine a busy professional, granted a sabbatical after years of burnout. Instead of binge-watching shows, they dedicate mornings to studying Romans, afternoons to intercessory prayer for their church, and evenings to praising God through music. Psalm 100:4 urges, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." By filling our rest with worship, we align our hearts with El Olam, whose unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6) anchors us. True enjoyment blooms here—not in self-centered leisure, but in God-centered adoration that energizes us for the road ahead.

Let's add some heart-stirring tales: Meet Elena, a missionary who returned home after a decade abroad, entering a rest area of readjustment. She transformed her apartment balcony into a "Beersheba nook," spending dawn hours singing hymns and praying for the nations, which reignited her passion and led to mentoring young volunteers. Then there's Marcus, a truck driver who, after a safe delivery through a blizzard, pulled over at a literal rest stop to blast worship music from his cab, calling on God's name aloud. Passersby joined him, turning a mundane break into a spontaneous revival. These anecdotes illustrate how worship in rest areas can spark unexpected joy and community, echoing Abraham's profound encounter.

3. Sojourn with Contentment

Finally, Abraham "sojourned" many days in Philistine land—not settling permanently, but resting as a temporary resident. This mindset of contentment without complacency reflects his awareness that his true inheritance was God's promised land (Hebrews 11:9-10). He enjoyed the peace without entanglement in worldly pursuits.

In our context, rest areas like promotions, family milestones, or retirement phases tempt us toward idleness or materialism. Guard against this by cultivating biblical contentment: "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Use these times to disciple others—mentor a young believer, volunteer in ministry, or prepare for evangelism. Avoid the snare of comfort idolatry; remember, we're called to be "in the world, but not of it" (John 17:14-16).

Picture an elderly couple in their golden years, a rest area after decades of labor. They sojourn contentedly by hosting Bible studies, supporting missionaries, and sharing wisdom with grandchildren, all while keeping their gaze on eternity. Paul's words in Philippians 4:12-13 resonate: "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Enjoy the rest by stewarding it wisely—renewed, you'll press on with purpose.

For more inspiration, consider the story of the Wilsons, a farming family who, after a bountiful harvest following drought years, used their rest area to host community potlucks focused on Scripture sharing, fostering bonds that weathered future storms. Or think of Jamal, a former athlete sidelined by injury, who in his recovery phase learned contentment by coaching youth teams with gospel-integrated lessons, turning personal setback into communal blessing. These narratives remind us that sojourning with contentment isn't passive—it's an active choice to glorify God, making every rest area a launchpad for greater faith adventures.

Conclusion: Pull Over and Savor the Shade

Abraham's pause at Beersheba wasn't accidental; it was a faith-filled response to God's leading. As Christians committed to Scripture's authority, let's heed this: Life's rest areas are gifts to glorify God through remembrance, worship, and contentment. In doing so, we honor El Olam and prepare for eternal rest in His kingdom.

If you're barreling through life today, heed the sign: "Rest Area Ahead." Pull over, plant your marker, call on His name, and sojourn in peace. Your journey will be richer for it.

May the Lord bless you as you travel His path.

DMMC 

11-12-25