REGULAR REST, NO EXCUSES
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.” Isaiah 58:13, NLT
Theme: Keep the Sabbath and observe it as a holy day, a regular and pleasant offering to God.
REST
Doesn’t that sound amazing? If I told you to go away for one day to prioritize your own rest and reflection, you would likely jump at the chance. A short but important time to table daily demands and allow yourself some much-needed time to recuperate? YES, count me in! Why, then, when God commands a Sabbath, do we view it differently? In our current worldview, actions and activity infer productivity. When asked by a friend how we’re doing, a common reply is “busy.” We proudly wear our badge of “busyness” as if it’s somehow an indication of importance or success.
CAN’T REST NOW
“Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life...There is nothing else” (Dallas Willard). In truth, the people who achieve balance through prioritization (and dare I say, ruthless elimination), are often the most productive. I have a lot of excuses for why I can’t rest. I justify what fills my time by elevating the importance of temporary rather than eternal activities. It makes me “feel better” to get everything done and start my week feeling settled, organized. I tell myself, “If I don’t do it today, that means I’ll have twice as much to do tomorrow because today’s needs haven’t gone away.” I’ve made my trivial chores more important than my God. What if, instead of worrying about my own tasks, I prioritized starting my week with where God is turning my attention? His ways are certainly better than my ways.
STRONGER
‘Tis the season! Every year, one of the most common New Years Resolutions is to get in shape. We’re all going to join a gym, get up at 5 am, work out every day, and (maybe) eat better. The first two weeks of January look like a subway station at rush hour in the local gyms. These are all good intentions, but many of us fatigue quickly, primarily because we failed to prioritize essential rest and recuperation. Yes, this physical activity will help us see the change we desire, but recovery is also necessary for healing and preparedness to continue.
A day off may seem counter-intuitive but is essential. Just like our physical bodies, our faith is stronger when our spirit is refreshed. How can I be above resting when God Himself rested? (Genesis 2:2-3). When we honor the Sabbath, we block out worldly and tiresome distractions to focus exclusively on God...refreshing our spirits and making us stronger!
Make It Personal: God doesn’t need “my” time. When I consider my offering, I naturally think of my tithe. Money. Let’s remember today that our offering to God also includes anything to which we hold tightly…all of which, He has provided. When we observe the Sabbath, we are giving God the first fruits of our other precious resources…time and attention. This commandment (which is not a suggestion) is for our own benefit and just like with our tithes and offerings, He will bless and magnify it. Let’s worship God together, as He has called us to do, by honoring the Sabbath.
Pray: God, help me resist the temptation to fill every moment of every day. Show me where I need to say “no” to commitments that draw me away from what You’ve commanded. Give me the discipline to observe the Sabbath, creating room for You to speak and move in my life. I want there to be margin in my schedule so I’m free, rested, and ready whenever you call me. Help me to be still and to break the habit of believing “busy is better.” Your way is best. Show me the ways I can honor You as I observe the Sabbath. Amen
Read: Deuteronomy 7:9, John 14:27; Exodus 20:8-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:11, ESV