One of the most popular talks I give is my personal journey from BUSY-ness to Faithfulness. BUSY stands for Being Under Satan’s Yoke. We are a busy people! It is not just long hours at the office or business travel, it is the numerous activities the kids are involved in, church projects and March Madness gatherings. Dad and Mom go different directions more often than not. But now all of that has stopped.

BUSY-ness is an addiction to ‘doing’ – personal worth, status and even sense of self are tied to all we do and what our kids are involved in. Today each of us have an opportunity to REST. REST stands for Really Embracing Scriptural Truth. This is a time to realize how the devil has used the relative truths of this culture as a force to dispel the absolute Truth that is God’s word. And this is a time for dads to lead the way, to REST in marriage and family by reading scripture together, having family devotion time and initiating spiritual discussions that exemplify the timelessness of God’s Word.

…And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us. – Romans 5:2-5. It is not easy to rejoice when going through suffering. The charge is to focus on the hope that does not disappoint. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7. Easier said than done. Remember that ‘peace’, a translation of shalom means, “the positive state of rightness and well-being in the midst of battle.” For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15. We serve an awesome and sovereign God – He has this. The REST is on us.

I see an analogy to initiating REST each summer when dads with daughters and sons join us for one of our week-long trips in Colorado. The draw is that the week presents an opportunity to “get away” - away from the internet and other distractions that can inhibit real communication. It is genuinely harder than anyone thinks to tune out noise and tune-in to the Lord and each other. The noise is addictive. It can take several days for dads and kids to let go of the electronic connections and other distractions from home or work. I personally think that is how the Lord will glorify Himself through this present time. He has given us an opportunity to be more intentional – to tune-in to Him and family. The REST depends on us.

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your word and the perspective it offers. But I am a guy and I do things, mostly to support and encourage my family. Through this forced down time, I realize that my identity has been tied up in all I do when You call me to simply be. Forgive me. Help me be more intentional in living my relationship with You in marriage and family, to be Your representative in the home You have blessed me with. I want to REST and glorify You as the man, husband and father You call me to be. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad the next generation needs to see. Amen.

A faithful father practices REST, Really Embracing Scriptural Truth every day.