Worship In Our Rest

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep 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, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.” Exodus 20:8-10 (ESV)

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, with its constant demands, deadlines, and distractions, it can be easy to overlook the gift of the Sabbath. God commands us in Exodus 20:8-10 to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But why? What does it truly mean to honor the Sabbath in a way that reflects God's heart?

A Day to Rest and Reflect
The word "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew word *shabbat*, which means "to cease" or "to rest." God’s command here is not merely about taking a break from work—it's about intentionally setting aside time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with Him. When God gave this command to the Israelites, He was inviting them to participate in His rhythm of work and rest. Just as He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, He desires for us to do the same. It’s a rhythm of life that keeps us balanced, grounded, and centered in His peace.

A Day for All
Notice how Exodus 20:10 expands the Sabbath command beyond just individuals. It’s not just about you and me taking a break; it’s for everyone in our households—our children, our servants, even our animals! This speaks to the holistic nature of God’s care. Sabbath is a gift not just for our souls, but also for the people and creatures in our care. It’s an opportunity to extend grace to others by offering them rest, too. Imagine what it would look like if we all intentionally slowed down on this day, creating space for rest and connection, not just with God, but with each other.

A Sacred Day
The Sabbath is described as holy—set apart for God. When we set aside one day a week to honor Him in this way, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our time. The Sabbath is a reminder that He is in control and that our worth is not defined by our productivity. Our identity is found in Him, not in what we do, and the Sabbath is a powerful declaration of that truth.

Trusting God
In a culture that values productivity and achievement, it may feel counterintuitive to rest. We might worry that taking a day off will lead to falling behind or missing opportunities. But the Sabbath invites us to trust God—to trust that He will provide and sustain us even when we pause our work. In fact, when we rest, we are acknowledging that God is the one who holds all things together. Our rest on the Sabbath is an act of faith in His provision and care.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of the Sabbath. Help us to remember to rest in You, to honor You with our time, and to trust that You are in control. May this day of rest draw us closer to You and renew our hearts, minds, and bodies. Teach us how to honor the Sabbath in a way that reflects Your love and care for us and those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.