Day of Rest
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Genesis 2:2
God created everything and when he finished his work he rested. God rested as an example for us to work through the week and every seventh day, rest. The rest day is a day to refresh our minds and bodies. If we view the day of rest as a time to slow down mentally and physically, it can help us to remain more relaxed throughout the work week. Especially if we spend our rest day close to the Lord by reading the Word, being in prayer, and fellowshipping with our Christian family.
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27) Jesus states that the Sabbath was made for man, implying every seventh day the Lord wants us to rest and be mindful of Him. Spending the rest day relaxed with the Lord will help us to stay connected to the Lord throughout the week.
Our rest day is Sunday and we start the day worshipping with our Christian brothers and sisters. We may go out to dinner with a Christian family and spend the afternoon with them. Once I was in Monroe, La. for a TV interview, and I decided to spend the weekend and attend church services there. I was greeted by a person who showed me around, introduced me to people, and bought me a cup of coffee. Then, I was invited to sit with a couple, and they invited me to their house for lunch. I spent the day with them, and it was like spending the day with family. I went back to church that evening with them, and another couple invited me to dinner at a restaurant. We ate and talked until ten that night. This was the most spiritually filled day I have ever experienced with Godly people that were relaxed and their nature reflected Jesus. This was truly a day of rest which carried with me all week.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) When we truly find Sunday as a rest day with the Lord, family, and our Christian family, we can be refreshed to carry rest for our souls all week. The more we are connected to the Lord in prayer and communion, the more rest we will have for our soul.
Today, pray for rest in your soul, and next Sunday, plan a day of rest. One day of rest with the Lord will influence our week, and bring us closer to the Lord.
Prayer: Help me to truly rest on Sunday and cherish being with family, Christian family, and most importantly, close to the Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen