Rhythms of Jesus – Week 7: The Discipline of Sabbath

Day 43: God’s Command to Rest

In the busyness of life, the call to rest can feel counterintuitive. We live in a world that glorifies hustle, productivity, and constant activity. Yet, in Exodus 20:8-10, God commands us to rest. The Sabbath isn’t just a suggestion; it is a command. It is a day set apart by God, intended to offer us a rhythm of rest, reflection, and renewal. This is not merely a day to cease from work; it is a day to reconnect with God, to remember His provision, and to honor the design He established from the beginning.

God’s command to rest is rooted in His love for us. He knows that we need time to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Just as He modeled rest after six days of creation, He invites us into the same rhythm. When we neglect the Sabbath, we can easily become weary, drained, and disconnected from the source of our strength. But when we embrace God’s rhythm of rest, we align ourselves with His divine pattern and allow ourselves to be replenished.

The Sabbath isn’t just a break from our work—it’s a sacred time to be with God, to reflect on His goodness, and to trust that He will provide for our needs. By setting apart this day, we acknowledge that our worth is not defined by what we accomplish but by who we are in Christ.

Key Verses:
“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.” ~ Exodus 20:8-10

Application:
Consider your current rhythm of life. Are you giving yourself the gift of Sabbath rest, or are you pushing through each week without pause? If you find yourself constantly busy, take time today to reflect on the importance of rest. How can you honor God’s command to rest and create a rhythm of Sabbath in your life? Remember, Sabbath rest isn’t just about avoiding work—it’s about creating space to draw near to God.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of rest. I acknowledge that You have designed me to need time to pause and be renewed in Your presence. Help me to embrace the rhythm of Sabbath and to honor this day as holy, set apart for You. Teach me to rest in Your love and provision, and remind me that my worth is found not in what I do, but in who I am in You. Amen.