Commitment to Rest

Today we focus on the fourth commandment given by God to Moses: 

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. (Exodus 20:9, 10 NLT)

God was serious about this - even to the point of resting from meal preparation on the day of Sabbath.

“This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.” (Exodus 16:23 NLT)

Yes, God wanted a day set apart to honor Him.  But there was more to this command.  Have you thought about the benefits of relaxation lately?  Or have you been too busy to stop and consider them?   Heartofhealing.net summarized some of the benefits and results of relaxation quite nicely:  They pointed out that relaxation has many physical benefits including cardiac benefits and decreased muscle tension, and that often relaxation leads to more energy, better sleep, less headaches and pain, and improvement in mood, concentration and problem-solving ability.

God commanded rest because he loves us and wants the best for us.  We won't last very long if we are burning the candle from both ends

“On the seventh day God rested from all his work.” (Hebrews 4:4 NLT) God rested not because he was tired, but because he wanted to signify the completion of creation.  I can't help but believe He was also setting the example that He wants His children to follow.

Imagine with me for just a moment...  What if we took one day per week - every week- to just relax.  Imagine what that day would look like... waking up to the sound of chirping birds, instead of that annoying alarm clock; turning on your favorite music and spending time in praise, rather than starting the day with the disturbing news; spending all day outside with family and friends to enjoy all that God had created for us, rather than running from errand to errand; turning off your phones and computers and just "being" with your families; reflecting on the past week and the week to come and scheduling in all of the top priorities, letting go of what won't fit.  We would be renewed, refreshed, and restored.  If we trust in Christ and obey this command, this day of rest could literally transform our lives!

You may be wondering how in the world you can dedicate one whole day to rest.  I understand - especially if you work full time- that there is much to catch up on and accomplish on the weekend.  But what if...  Maybe it is time to give it a try!  Join me this Sunday - take a look at your past week and the week to come.  What are your 'have-to's" and what can you let go of?  Schedule in everything from Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday write into your calendar:

REST

...It was prescribed by our Creator From the beginning of time.