Sabbath rest. What does that mean to you? God worked and worked for six days to create everything that exists, and then he rested on the 7th day. He wants us to rest as well, keeping a day holy and reserved for him. How many of us do what God is asking of us? If we’re working a job 5 days a week, our weekends are precious, and we use the time to get stuff done. How could we ever just sit around and spend time with God? That’s what he wants.
Our passage says, “don’t harden your hearts.” We don’t want to be like those disobedient children in the wilderness who turned from God and refused to do what God told them to do. They were never going to enter rest with God. I don’t know about you, but I’m not crazy about having God upset with me. Will he be upset if I do some work on my day of Sabbath rest? I’ll have to ask him someday.
In my work, I seek to please and serve God. We can all find more joy in our work if we see God as the one we work for. We may have an earthly boss that we detest, but remember God loves them. God is who we are ultimately working for. Our lives, every part of them, should be lived out in praise and worship. If we can shift our mindset to allow joy to permeate every part of our life, how much better each day will be.
Today’s passage warns us again to be careful. There are so many opportunities for us to believe lies and shut out the promises of God. Why is it that lies seem that much easier to believe than to trust God loves us so desperately and wants to spend time with us. He wants us to rest and be refreshed. Yet, we think it’s better to work our fingers to the bone, be full of stress, and ignore God’s request. Our hearts are hardened.
The Bible says, “Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.” It doesn’t get any clearer than that. I loved how the teacher/writer said we can help each other out. Accountability is what a lot of us need to stay on task. A reminder to stay focused and not be deceived. We need to be faithful until the end so we can share Christ’s inheritance. Don’t we want to live with God forever and ever? I certainly do.
So rest. Sunday morning worship is a good place to start because you have carved out that time in your busy week. However, don’t let it end with the last praise chorus or prayer. Keep that sabbath rest going into the day. If this is a new concept for you, you may need to gradually add time to this time of rest. The important thing is – REST! Rebel no more. Your tasks will get done. You can rearrange your schedule a little bit and get creative.
Doesn’t God deserve our attention, our devotion, our time? My love language is quality time, and the best way I can spend my time is with God. Talk about quality time!
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I rush life forgetting to spend time with you. I have to say forget because I wouldn’t want to ever think I do it on purpose. Create in me a new heart, God, so spending time with you becomes so automatic. It is the favorite part of my day and week, help me to expand the time. Open my ears so I can hear you more clearly in these times. Refresh me and mold me into the best me, the me you desire. Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
