There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
- Hebrews 4:9-11
I love work. I love being busy. Especially when I was younger, the thought of rest was anxious for me because I felt restless all the time. Yet, as I grew older, I started to appreciate the importance of rest. The pause in the everyday chaos of "go, go, go" is a moment for me to breathe, to check in with myself, to allow myself to feel my exhaustion, and to recuperate. Most of all, the moment of rest gives me a chance to notice God.
Throughout my life, I was inspired by family members and mentors who were hardworking. I worked seven days a week and believed it was a badge of honour. Instead, mentors and family alike would educate me that I'm missing the point. I was a slave to my work and my addiction to feeling worthy through hard work.
When Moses led Israelites out of slavery, the importance of rest and observing the Sabbath were clearly seen from God's guidance. God frowned upon those who did not observe the sabbath. Afterall, the sabbath is God's gift to us. It is our chance to enter God's rest. Our spirit and soul need this time to replenish and dwell in His presence. God rested on the seventh day, and role modeled for us how we should live. By not practicing the sabbath, are we saying then that we think our work is more important than God's? Are our actions an indication of our rejection of God's gift to rest? Are we saying that God is less important than the work we think we need to do? See how the act of missing the sabbath is actually a serious act of disobedience.
I need to do better. We all need to do better. We can do so by taking a meaningful break from our daily work and to immerse ourselves in God's rest one day a week. Use this time to refocus and rest in God.
Reflection: How can you adjust your schedule so that you ensure you set aside one day out of your week to practice the sabbath?
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In this week's blog, Enter God's Rest, we review the importance of the sabbath in our faith. Enjoy weekly devotionals and worship music on Christian Calm Radio.