It seems I have been writing about weariness or the need to rest quite frequently lately. It must mean we have some weary readers out there.
Fatigue is real. Weariness is real. That’s why God so wisely instructed us to rest.
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 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. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 NLT
Resting on the Sabbath, the Lord’s Day, was given for our benefit. God rested and so should we. If asked, many people could come up with a number of the Ten Commandments – don’t lie, steal, murder, don’t have an affair, don’t swear, honor your parents – but one that is often overlooked is resting.
We get up early and stay up late. We fill our days with multiple activities, we pride ourselves by being the “masters of multitasking”. We can be fixing breakfast, answering emails, making lunches for the kids and doing our on-line banking all at the same time and we wonder why we feel overstimulated before 8 am. Then we lay down at night still answering emails or texts and doing one final internet search.
“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalm 127:2 NLT
Setting aside time, dedicated strictly to the Lord, reminds us that He is worthy of worship. It is a weekly reminder that our blessings and strength come from the Lord. He is the one who supplies what we need. He gives us wisdom and insight. He provides us with health and goods. He is our source of joy, peace, kindness and understanding.
“ Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:15 NLT
We haven’t been in physical bondage like the Israelites were in Egypt but oftentimes we are enslaved to appointments, deadlines, obligations and responsibilities that God never intended for us to take on.
When we stop for that “day of rest”, we can focus on the One who causes us to rest in green pastures, beside still waters and restores our soul.
“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” Jeremiah 31:25 NLT
Make time to rest – remember, that’s an order from God, Himself.
