“On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3, NLT)
Today is Sunday, “the day of rest.” For many, however, it has become “the day of rush.” What was once a day dedicated to worship and reflection has now become a day to catch up on chores and do the things we didn’t have time for during our hectic week. God may get a small portion of this day— or not—depending on whether we can fit Him into our busy schedule.
From the very beginning of time, God established the need for rest. On the seventh day of Creation God rested, not because He was tired but to set a pattern for us to follow. The day of rest was to be different from all other days of the week, set apart and sanctified by God.
Someone once called the Sabbath God’s gift of time. It allows us an interlude to refresh, restore, and refocus. God designed His creation to enjoy rest and renewal. This is true for humans, animals, and even the land itself.
When we rob ourselves of rest, whether physical or spiritual, there can be dire consequences. Bodies become sick and weariness overwhelms us. In nature, land becomes worn and unproductive. Spiritually we lose our strength, joy, and passion for God.
Isaiah 28:12 speaks of the “rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest.” We find all that we need in the Lord, and it is important that we honor Him on a day set aside specifically to come into His presence.
Isaiah 58:13 gives insight on how God would have us observe His day.
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.” (NLT)
Sunday becomes a day of delight, not a burden or a duty to fulfill, when we choose to honor God with our time instead making it just another day of the week. It’s all about Him, not us. What could be more restful and refreshing than basking in the presence of the Lord!
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).
Ways to Honor God on His Day:
- Refrain from working. Don’t use it as a day to catch up. (Exodus 20:10)
- Assemble together with fellow believers. (Hebrews 10:25)
- Make time for personal worship and reflection. (Psalm 46:10; I Timothy 4:13-15)
- Spend time in prayer, asking God to direct your steps in the coming week. (Psalm 119:133)
- Take time for family and friends. Build relationships. (Acts 2:46; I John 1:7)
- Refrain from entertainment. (Isaiah 58:13; Ephesians 5:16)
- Disconnect from electronics and other distractions. (Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 6:33)
- Give yourself some alone time. (Mark 6:31)
- Count your blessings. (Ephesians 5:20)
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