“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping 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, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)

Sabbath rest has always been important. It was one of the 10 commandments given to Moses in the verses above. God reminded him that the Sabbath was instituted in the very beginning. God modeled it and commands us to follow suit. 

It is a universal principle and essential to the balance of life.  Many times, in the Scripture those who have ignored this command have found themselves on the wrong side of the Lord.  We are not wired for 24/7 work.  To blow this off as an optional directive is disobedience to the Lord and contrary to the way you were designed to experience this life.

Life can be hectic…this is true.  Schedules can sometimes take over and we find ourselves on the short end of rest, but we must do all within our power to keep a rhythm of work and rest in our lives. Right now, in these times, when the world is somewhat “shut-down” and we are somewhat “shut-in”, let us take this opportunity to step back and refocus. Instead of seeing these circumstances as some sort of trap let us seize it as a moment of Sabbath before our Lord.

Today, on this fifth Sunday of our Lenten journey, take a deep breath.  Close your eyes and take a Sabbath moment.  Thank the loving Father for all He has done for you. If you’re not sure how too do that, read the Psalm below and then repeat!

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, and bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100)

Blessings!