Daily Devotionals
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (Aminta)
I am officially exhausted.
It feels like I have been running a marathon, when in reality it’s just been life:
Working on the remodel.
Taking care of the kids.
Doing ministry.
Cooking, cleaning and laundry.
Making meals.
Paying bills.
It has been so much. Last Sunday, I hit the wall. Have you ever done that? I don’t mean literally! I’m talking about when you get so tired that the thought of trying to get another thing done makes you want to cry.
That was me. Crying. A lot.
So when Monday rolled around, instead of being my usual productive self, I did a Sabbath rest day.
I took a nap.
I made my favorite foods.
I talked to my best friends.
I read my Bible and prayed.
I didn’t work. Or get anything “done.”
IT.WAS.JUST.WHAT.I.NEEDED.
At the end of the day, I was emotionally and physically more stable and my whole family was grateful.
Sabbath rest is not a new idea. It was actually commanded by God in the Old Testament! It’s one of the 10 commandments:
Exodus 20:8-11 teaches us:
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”
God knew we needed a day to let our whole body, mind, and soul rest in him. He made us to be that way! And even though thousands of years have passed, it’s still an amazing source of renewal for all who choose to practice it.
The problem is that we live in a culture that doesn’t value resting. Work and striving and grinding are all seen as signs of someone who is hard working and successful. It can be difficult if you have a big to-do list to choose to set it aside.
Sweet Friends, we have the opportunity to go against the flow and trust God can accomplish more in six days with our obedience than we can accomplish in seven days on our own. It’s worth the risk!
I have experienced first hand how much peace and joy and renewal can come in just one day of rest.
When was the last time you took a day off and dedicated it to the Lord? Join me in this practice and I promise you will feel the benefits!
We are better together.
Mint
It feels like I have been running a marathon, when in reality it’s just been life:
Working on the remodel.
Taking care of the kids.
Doing ministry.
Cooking, cleaning and laundry.
Making meals.
Paying bills.
It has been so much. Last Sunday, I hit the wall. Have you ever done that? I don’t mean literally! I’m talking about when you get so tired that the thought of trying to get another thing done makes you want to cry.
That was me. Crying. A lot.
So when Monday rolled around, instead of being my usual productive self, I did a Sabbath rest day.
I took a nap.
I made my favorite foods.
I talked to my best friends.
I read my Bible and prayed.
I didn’t work. Or get anything “done.”
IT.WAS.JUST.WHAT.I.NEEDED.
At the end of the day, I was emotionally and physically more stable and my whole family was grateful.
Sabbath rest is not a new idea. It was actually commanded by God in the Old Testament! It’s one of the 10 commandments:
Exodus 20:8-11 teaches us:
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”
God knew we needed a day to let our whole body, mind, and soul rest in him. He made us to be that way! And even though thousands of years have passed, it’s still an amazing source of renewal for all who choose to practice it.
The problem is that we live in a culture that doesn’t value resting. Work and striving and grinding are all seen as signs of someone who is hard working and successful. It can be difficult if you have a big to-do list to choose to set it aside.
Sweet Friends, we have the opportunity to go against the flow and trust God can accomplish more in six days with our obedience than we can accomplish in seven days on our own. It’s worth the risk!
I have experienced first hand how much peace and joy and renewal can come in just one day of rest.
When was the last time you took a day off and dedicated it to the Lord? Join me in this practice and I promise you will feel the benefits!
We are better together.
Mint
