That being said, I don't for a minute think that God is waiting to catch us "breaking the Sabbath day". Which day of the week would that be anyway? Rather, I see His instruction to take a day of rest as an expression of His loving care for us. It is good for us, spirit and soul and body, to take a day of rest.
"You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed."
At this point, I must confess that I've definitely indulged in a little self-pity that there's no such thing as a day of rest for a mom! Also, Sundays can be a very busy day around here. So what does it look like to take a day of rest? I'm pretty sure it's something different for everyone.
The New Covenant says, "For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world." There are many, many layers of meaning in this verse. I know that for me to take a 'day of rest' from my labors means to take a break from The List.
There's a to-do list in my life that never ends and I get great satisfaction from crossing things off of it. However, that list that never ends can sap my strength and be a vicious task master. For me it is an act of faith to take a day off from The List. In taking one day every week wherein I don't let myself do anything on the list, I'm saying that I trust Him to provide the energy and the time I need to get the important stuff done if I honor His instruction to take a day to be refreshed. Part of the refreshment definitely comes from consciously using that time to connect with the heart of the Father.
Trust is a form of worship. That trust is what makes this day of rest holy--whether the time is spent "laboring" in hospitality or reading or enjoying a day outdoors.
What does it mean or would it mean for you to take a day of rest from your labors?
*Opa is Dutch for Grandfather
Genesis 31:14, 17; Hebrews 4:10
One thing - No major cooking and no laundry or major cleaning. That will wait till Monday!
ReplyDelete- Roselyn
I like that you said "laboring" in hospitality. As much as it IS work, people-time is God's unique way of energizing me for the week ahead. He knows I need Sunday morning worship with my peeps, the lingering in the lobby long after closing-time and the spontaneous "wanna come for burnt grilled cheese?" Oh yes, God ordained all that for the likes of "us", for the week ahead..Blessings on YOUR week my friend!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is also not doing "The List". We've had amazing weather this fall, and I have made a point of doing a hike on a different trail every Sunday afternoon with whoever wants to come along. I love it! It makes my heart sing!
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