Sabbath: Stop!
Scripture Reading — Exodus 20:8-11
“. . . the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.”
I am not very good at resting. I have noticed that I’m becoming more distracted by my phone and more captivated by the world online. I love to learn, and the internet provides endless opportunities to keep exploring information.
I have to admit that for all of my good intentions, my life has gotten busier, not quieter. Busy seasons probably crop up in your life too, even if you are good at taking care of yourself. We live in a world that prizes busyness and ever-increasing productivity.
Well, today is Sunday. This is a reminder that we are not designed to stay busy all the time. God declared long ago that we need a good rhythm of rest and work. Then, to honor the day of Jesus’ resurrection, Christians shifted the celebration of Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday.
What I like about celebrating Sabbath on the first day of the week is that it reminds us that we begin our week with rest. Whether or not you are able to rest today, I pray that you may find time in your weekly rhythm to stop, rest, and listen anew to God, taking time to worship the Lord and to rest. Give thanks and praise God for all the good things he has done in this world and in your life. Reflect, pray, and listen to his guiding Word in the Bible and in your heart. What might God be saying to you?
Lord, thank you for the Sabbath. Thank you for giving us time to rest. Help us to rest well today, and to make sure we take time in our lives to rest in your presence. Amen.
About the author — Kevin DeRaaf
Kevin DeRaaf is the director of Resonate Global Mission, the Christian Reformed mission agency working in more than 40 countries around the world. With a focus on encouraging others to join in God’s mission where they are, Kevin believes that God’s purpose for the local church is to shine as a community of love and grace, showing in tangible ways that Jesus is the hope of the world. He and his wife, Jacquie, have three children and four grandchildren and live in Burlington, Ontario.
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