Rhythms of Jesus – Week 7: The Discipline of Sabbath

Day 47: Trusting God with Your Time

In Isaiah 58:13-14, God invites us to approach the Sabbath as a gift—one that delights our hearts and brings us closer to Him. When we honor the Sabbath and dedicate it to the Lord, rather than filling it with our own agendas or desires, we discover the deep joy that comes from resting in His presence. The Sabbath is not just about refraining from work; it is about trusting God with our time, prioritizing His peace over the demands of daily life.

Trusting God with our time requires us to recognize that He is in control. It can be difficult to take time off, especially when we feel the pressure to stay busy or accomplish more. But when we honor God with our time—by setting aside the Sabbath and focusing on Him—we align ourselves with His will, and in return, He promises us joy and renewal. We are reminded that time is not something we own or control; it is a gift from God, and we are called to use it wisely, placing Him at the center of our lives.

When we honor the Sabbath and choose to rest, we make a powerful declaration: we trust that God will take care of everything we need. This act of trust leads to a deeper relationship with God and greater peace in our hearts. His promise is that when we delight in Him, He will give us joy that transcends the demands of life.

Key Verses:
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. ~ Isaiah 58:13-14

Application:
Take a step today to trust God with your time. Set aside time to honor the Sabbath by focusing on rest and your relationship with Him. Reflect on how you can use your time throughout the week to delight in God and honor Him with your schedule.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank You for the gift of time and for teaching me to trust You with it. I confess that I often fill my days with my own plans and desires, forgetting to rest and honor You. Help me to make the Sabbath a delight, to trust that You will provide all that I need, and to find joy in resting in Your presence. May my time be spent in ways that honor You, and may I experience the peace and joy that only You can give. Amen.