A Peaceful Season: A 5-Day Bible Plan on Having Peace During the Holiday SeasonSample

Keeping the Sabbath (Rest)

Webster's dictionary (2022) defines rest as “cease from action or motion: refrain from labor or exertion.” It also defines the sabbath as “a time of rest.” When we put those two together, we learn that the sabbath is a portion of time without action, motion, labor, or exertion. With planning, shopping, cooking, and decorating, the holidays can be a busy time. My prayer is we will all pause and take time to rest from our holiday work and worries.

In current times, rest appears to be encouraged by some. However, for some, working non-stop to reach financial and social goals presents itself as more appealing. I remember being so tired from working multiple jobs that, in my exhaustion, I cried out to God for help. In response to my plea, the Holy Spirit spoke to me: “If God could rest, why can’t you?”

God was not afraid to take a day off and rest. He created everything, and yet, He allowed Himself time to recuperate without the fear of missing something. How can we appreciate and apply God’s example of rest? How can we set aside time to surrender our striving and trust God to see and close any gaps?

Today, take a moment and plan time to rest. Choose a day, put it on the calendar, and refrain from exhorting yourself. Take note of how you feel after you rest, and ask God to help you keep the Sabbath.