Sabbath

Sabbath

Why is it so important to God that I take a day off work?

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Genesis 2:2-3

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 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.

Exodus 20:8-10

The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.

Mark 2:27

WE LIVE IN AN AGE of anxiety, stress, and perpetual motion. How ironic that we actually take pride in explaining how busy we are. God did not intend for his people to live in this state of frenzied activity. Throughout the entire Bible, it is clear from God’s words and example that he wants us to set aside time for rest and refreshment to restore both body and soul. God, in ceasing from his work, called his rest “holy.” God knows that no matter how much we may like our work, it takes a toll on our minds, bodies, and souls. Sabbath gives us permission to let go of our to-do lists for twenty-four hours and trust God with the things left undone. Don’t miss out on restorative moments with God that can only be experienced through regular rhythms of worship and rest.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, it’s hard for me to take a day of rest because . . .

Your Word calls me to take a Sabbath rest because . . .