Embracing God's Design for Rest

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV)

So, this week we are taking a family vacation. It's a trip that we've been anticipating for a while now. We are so excited that this trip has fallen during a time of great celebration for our family. Our son is recently engaged to his fiancé (girlfriend for two years), and our oldest daughter has accepted a position with the United States Air Force and will be taking off for Basic Training a few weeks after. For us this trip is partly a celebration of recent milestones and now life changes. We will be having a crazy busy time while we are away, but the DeYoung family also is feeling a sense of rest coming as we rest in family fellowship with one another.

As all of us navigate the busyness of life, it can be easy to forget the importance of rest. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and be more. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, established a rhythm of work and rest that is not only necessary but also sacred. The Sabbath is God’s gift to us, a time set apart for rest and renewal, not just physically but spiritually as well.

The commandment to observe the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments, nestled right between instructions to honor God and to live rightly with others. This placement is significant; it reminds us that rest is not optional but essential for living a life that honors God and sustains our well-being.

In Exodus 20:8-11, God commands us to “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” The word “holy” means to set apart, to distinguish from the ordinary. The Sabbath is not just a day off from work; it is a day set apart for reflection, worship, and reconnection with God. It is a time to cease from our labors, trusting that God is our provider and sustainer.

The Sabbath is a reminder of God’s creation and His sovereignty. Just as God rested after six days of creating the world, we too are invited to step back from our work, to rest in the knowledge that God is in control. It’s a reminder that our worth is not tied to our productivity, but to our identity as God’s beloved children.

As we rest, we are renewed. Our bodies regain strength, our minds find clarity, and our spirits are refreshed. The Sabbath is a time to enjoy God’s creation, to engage in activities that bring us joy and peace, and to deepen our relationship with the Lord. It’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on His goodness, to be grateful for His blessings, and to realign our lives with His purposes.

The concept of rest in the Bible is not merely about physical rejuvenation, but also about spiritual restoration. Jesus, in Mark 2:27, reminds us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” This means that God designed the Sabbath for our benefit. It’s a divine invitation to step out of the chaos and pressures of daily life and into His presence, where our souls can find peace.

In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of setting aside a full day for rest may seem daunting or even impossible. We might feel the pressure to keep working, to keep producing, or to keep up with the demands placed upon us. Yet, when we choose to honor the Sabbath, we are making a profound statement of faith. We are declaring that our lives are not defined by our work or our busyness, but by our relationship with God. We are trusting that God will provide for us, even as we step away from our labors.

Honoring the Sabbath also teaches us the value of stillness and reflection. It allows us to listen more closely to God’s voice, to meditate on His Word, and to be more attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In the quietness of the Sabbath, we often find the clarity and direction we need for the challenges and decisions that lie ahead.

Moreover, the Sabbath is an invitation to community. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, to share in fellowship, and to build relationships that encourage and uplift. As we break bread together, pray together, and simply enjoy each other’s company, we are reminded of the strength and beauty of the Christian community.

Action Steps to consider:

1. Set Apart Your Sabbath: This week, choose a day to observe as your Sabbath. It doesn’t have to be Sunday; choose a day that works best for your schedule. Dedicate this day to rest, worship, and spiritual renewal. Plan ahead to ensure that you can set aside your usual tasks and truly focus on what matters most.
2. Create a Sabbath Tradition: Consider establishing a special tradition that marks the beginning of your Sabbath. It could be lighting a candle, sharing a meal with family, or starting the day with a quiet walk in nature. This tradition can serve as a reminder that the day is set apart for something different, something holy.
3. Reflect on God’s Provision: Use part of your Sabbath to reflect on how God has provided for you in the past week. Write down moments where you saw His hand at work, whether in big or small ways. Let this reflection fuel your gratitude and deepen your trust in His continued provision.
4. Engage in Restorative Activities: Think about what activities truly refresh your spirit. For some, it might be spending time in nature, reading a good book, or engaging in creative hobbies. For others, it might be quiet time in prayer or worship. Whatever it is, make it a point to engage in these activities as a way to restore your soul.
5. Invite God into Your Rest: Finally, as you rest, invite God into every moment of your Sabbath. Ask Him to speak to you, to renew your spirit, and to guide you in the week ahead. Remember that the Sabbath is not just about rest, but about deepening your relationship with your Creator.

As I take time to rest this week, I encourage you to do the same. Embrace the Sabbath as a holy day, a day to rest and renew your spirit in the presence of God. Whether you spend it in quiet reflection, in nature, with loved ones, or in worship, let it be a time that refreshes you and draws you closer to the One who created you.