The Sabbath Was Created For You
The Sabbath Was Created For You
Lord, do you still want me to keep the Sabbath?
The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to me. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
Mark 2:27; Exodus 20:9-10; Exodus 31:13
How can I rest for a whole day without feeling guilty?
On the seventh day I had finished my work of creation, so I rested from all my work. And I blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when I rested from all my work. Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as my holy day.
Genesis 2:2-3; Isaiah 58:13
What can I pray before I enter into Sabbath rest?
You, LORD, are my shepherd; I have all that I need. You let me rest in green meadows; you lead me beside peaceful streams. You renew my strength. There is a special rest still waiting for your people. For all who enter into your rest will find rest from their labors, just as you rested after creating the world.
Psalm 23:1-3; Hebrews 4:9-10
Both God’s Word and Jesus’ example make it clear that setting aside time for rest and refreshment is essential for restoring both body and soul. Sabbath gives us permission to let go of our to-do lists for twenty-four hours and trust God with the things left undone. Think about the people, places, and activities that help you rest and draw your attention back to God. What can you let go of to make space for these things during the next Sabbath?
From the book
