Rest with God

This world seems to become more demanding of our time and efforts more and more with each passing day. The cost of living is always increasing, which means that we have to work longer; this takes time away from our rest.  We are created to work, God created Adam and then gave him a job, to name the animals and work the fields. God also tells us the importance of rest, but resting on the seventh day of creation. God is never tired or worn out; therefore He doesn't rest out of necessity, but out of a demonstration of how important it is for us to rest. In order to rest we must first understand what it means to rest. We must also recognize what robs us of the rest that we need in our lives and lastly what fruits are born in the midst of rest. 
What Rest Means
The meaning of the word rest is not the absence of work, but the " settled delight" in God. This means that we can work and still be resting. When we do things that fill our souls, move us closer to the Lord and don't take a lot of effort, we are resting. An example of this for me would be writing. I am applying effort by typing, but my mind is at ease as I focus on the Lord to write the lesson He has given me. I often listen to calming Christian music in the background, this isn't labor but relaxes my mind and allows me to focus on the Lord. I have some friends who enjoy sewing or gardening. 
What Steals our Rest
Now that we know what rest is, we need to learn what steals our rest. Many things can be a factor, but it is mainly anything that takes our eyes off of the Lord. Some people feel like they are never doing enough, having a full schedule but the supply and demand is out of obligation or guilt rather than love for the Lord. This is a false belief, God doesn't care how much we do, but the motive is why we are doing what we do. Another thing that can steal our rest is outside influences. We can be so caught up in the distraction of social media, TV, or even games that the attempt of "cutting off our mind" leads to endless scrolling which is not honoring to the Lord, defeating the purpose of true rest. In order to recharge we must be plugged into the source (Jesus) that fills us and gives us the ability to keep going. When we distract our minds or allow things to steal our rest; we are not giving our minds enough quiet time to allow the Lord to do His work for us. 
The Results of Intimacy with the Lord
When we deepen our intimacy with the Lord by focusing our minds on Him, we are able to hear a "still small voice" more so. We learn who He is and draw closer to Him. This allows us to build a deeper relationship with the Father that He desires with us. By spending time with the one who knows all we are strengthened so that we can serve others affectionately. When we are full of the Lord's presence we can fill others up, but if we are not full ourselves; how can we give what we don't have to others? When we take time for the Lord and rest in Him, we are more present in our family and friends. We are able to see His hands at work in our lives. This should encourage us in return to spend more time with Him, deepening our desire to rest in the Lord.
Putting it into Practice
I encourage you to take time out of your day and rest in the Lord, focus your mindset on Him. Find a hobby and dedicate it to Him, worshipping Him with our actions. Spend time with the provider in prayer and get to know Him by reading His Bible. All three of these are how we can glorify God in a time of rest. In return He will strengthen us and draw closer to us in our daily walk with Him.