Sabbath // Genesis 2:2-3
Today’s verse points to the day God rested after creating Heaven and Earth, also known as Sabbath (meaning a rest from one’s labor). I’m not so sure God needed to rest since the Scriptures are pretty clear that God never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4). God established the pattern of rest for us because He knew the tendency for humans to work themselves to the point of burnout. This is particularly true in our American culture. A strong work ethic is great, but burning the proverbial candle at both ends will leave us used up and unable to shine for God and others.
I love how author Eugene Peterson describes the need for Sabbath as he wrote, “Sabbath is that uncluttered time and space in which we can distance ourselves from our own activities enough to see what God is doing. If you don’t take a Sabbath, something is wrong. You’re doing too much, you’re being too much in charge.”
Does that describe you? Does that define your approach to life? If so, reclaim the rhythm of Sabbath. It isn’t a suggestion, it’s a command. Set apart that day and consecrate it for God by declaring your need for rest and deciding to protect it as the vital spiritual discipline God designed it to be. Sabbath doesn’t necessarily have to be a specific day. If you work on Sunday, for example, set aside another day to rest from your labor. Shift your focus from the things of life that can worry you and find encouragement with your family in God through worship, prayer, and play.
You might be inclined to say you can’t afford to take a Sabbath rest, but I would say in response you can’t afford not to. After all, if God can rest with all He has to do, what makes you think you can’t?
