Many believers think relaxing is the same as being slothful or lazy. They think the more they work and the busier they are, the more spiritual they are. Yet, often the Lord reminds us to rest. One of our favorite commands of Jesus to His disciples was, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31).
God even modeled the principle for us in Genesis 2:2 when “on the seventh day he rested from all his work”.
Before my son Timothy and I (Gaylyn) went to Israel, I always thought the Sabbath was a legalistic day that was just part of the Old Testament law. When we were in Israel, I found out it’s actually a day of great joy. The Jews eagerly anticipate it as a precious gift from God—a time to set aside concerns, relax, have fun, and enjoy relationships with God and family.
In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” God knows we can be more effective in our lives and work if we take the time to slow down and change our pace—especially in today’s fast-paced, overworked world.
We want to encourage you to get into the habit of setting aside one day a week to take it easy—not because you have to or you’ll be judged, but because you’ll be blessed!
Excerpted from All Stressed Up and Everywhere to Go! by Gaylyn and Ken Williams.