Finding Rest in God

Daily Rays of Hope #59

Mar 15, 2025

Finding Rest in God: Honoring the Sabbath and Drawing Near to Him

"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 (NIV)

Rest is not just a suggestion—it is a command and a gift from God. In our fast-paced world, where productivity is often idolized, the idea of intentionally pausing to rest can feel counterintuitive. Yet, from the very beginning, God set the example for us. After six days of creation, He rested (Genesis 2:2-3). Not because He was tired, but because He was establishing a divine principle: rest is sacred.

Resting as a Form of Worship

When we honor the Sabbath, we are not just taking a break from work; we are making space for deeper intimacy with God. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, "Be still, and know that I am God." In the stillness, we reconnect with His presence, align our hearts with His will, and allow Him to refresh our spirits.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of rest, saying in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." True rest isn’t just physical—it is spiritual renewal that can only be found in God.

Reacquainting Ourselves with Jesus Through Prayer and Fasting

Observing a Sabbath is not just about ceasing from work; it is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Christ through prayer and fasting. Mark 1:35 shows us Jesus’ example: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

When we set aside distractions and spend time in prayer, we invite God to recalibrate our hearts. When we engage in fasting, we surrender our physical needs to prioritize spiritual nourishment (Matthew 6:16-18). This sacred practice helps us become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and hear His voice more clearly.

Sabbath as a Time to Trust God

For many, taking a full day of rest can feel impractical. What if there’s too much to do? What if resting puts us behind schedule? But honoring the Sabbath is an act of faith—trusting that God will provide even when we step away from our labor.

Just as God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:23-26), He promises to sustain us when we obey His command to rest. Philippians 4:19 reassures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

By observing a Sabbath, we shift our focus from striving to surrender, from busyness to being still, and from working in our own strength to trusting in God's provision.

Three Practical Ways to Walk Out This Scripture Daily

Set Aside a Dedicated Sabbath Day
Choose a specific day each week to unplug from work and responsibilities. Use this time to pray, worship, and reflect on God’s goodness. This is your time to refocus on Him and allow His peace to fill your heart.
Incorporate Prayer and Fasting into Your Weekly Routine
Whether it’s a partial fast (skipping one meal) or setting aside time for deep prayer, dedicate moments throughout your week to seek God’s presence intentionally. Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food—it’s about prioritizing God over distractions.
Trust God to Sustain You When You Rest
Resist the urge to fill your Sabbath with busyness. Instead, remind yourself that God is your provider (Matthew 6:31-33). Your work, your business, and your responsibilities are in His hands. Use this time to be still and trust in His perfect plan.

Conclusion

God established the Sabbath not as a burden, but as a blessing—a time for us to rest, reconnect, and trust Him fully. When we make space for stillness, prayer, and fasting, we experience the peace and renewal that only He can provide.

As you commit to honoring the Sabbath, know that God will honor you in return. He will refresh your soul, strengthen your spirit, and pour His blessings upon you. Take time this week to step away from the noise and rest in His presence—you won’t regret it.