A Day Set Aside For You

Lately there has been a lot written about the ‘tired American.’ Researchers have noted that most Americans are not getting enough sleep, have unhealthy eating patterns, carry a tremendous amount of stress, and are continuing to speed up their schedules rather than slowing down. But is this God’s intent for us?

In the beginning God established a principle that was to guide humanity that was summed up in the Hebrew word shabat (sabbath) (Exodus 20:8). The word means ‘rest.’ God modeled this for us in Genesis 2:2 where we are told that He labored for six days and then rested, ceased from the activities He was focused on during that time. The fact that God “hallows & blesses” this day communicates that He sets this day aside for a special purpose.  This day has a special sacredness & blessing for humanity. It is to be kept free from the normal labor of ‘making a living’ that characterizes the other six days. The day promotes a special relationship to God & to His Service. So, a day away from the regular patterns of life forces us to refocus on the priorities of life and encourages both our spiritual and physical health.

Father, convict us to have a day set aside for you. A day where we can slow down long enough to hear your voice and to recharge our batteries.