Intermission

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).

It’s Sunday, a day in which most of us will spend time with other believers and worship God together. It’s a day each week when our pace slows somewhat, even if someone has little or no religious connection. One definition of the word Sabbath is intermission. It’s an interlude, a pause, before we pick up our daily tasks and move into another week of work and activity.

What is so important about Sabbath that God included it in the Ten Commandments? He didn’t suggest it; He commanded us to observe this day each week. In fact, God modeled it for us at Creation.

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” (Genesis 2:2, NKJV).

If this Sabbath, or intermission, is so important, what does God want me to receive from this day each week? Here are some of the things that come to mind when I consider the blessings that come through

• Refresh

This is a day when we cease from work and our usual activities. Sabbath gives us a chance to rejuvenate physically and emotionally. Most importantly, it allows time to spiritually recharge. During this quiet interlude, we hear whispers of God to our soul.

• Relate

Developing close relationships is healthy but takes time. Busy schedules hinder us from spending quality time with God, friends and family, and the body of Christ. Use the day to spend time with those you love. Reconnect in meaningful ways. Worship together; break bread together; encourage and support each other.

• Reflect

Sabbath allows us to reflect on God’s goodness and mercy in our lives. As we focus on all He has done for us, a spirit of thankfulness will fill our heart. Journaling is an excellent way to reflect on the many ways God has blessed us.

• Rejoice

The Sabbath is a day to rejoice, to worship, to feel joy in our relationship with Him. “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, NKJV).

Sabbath is God’s gift to me. It becomes my delight, my joy. As I slow my busy pace, I learn this time I have put aside, this intermission, brings rich blessings. It is my divine appointment and I can’t afford to miss it.

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken” (Isaiah 58:13-17, NKJV).

(To Consider: What can you do to make this a day of rest and delight? How can you disconnect from the busyness of life and enjoy time with the Lord and others?)

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for a day to pause and reflect on Your goodness to me. Remind me to slow down so I can appreciate and rejoice in all You have done in my life. It is Your will that I refresh both my body and my soul. I delight in You and love You.