Everlasting Father

Kelli Baker

Advent Series 2023

Day Twenty-Two

Is it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time? In the military, we are constantly moving. A phrase I said when I was a manager at McDonald’s was, “If you’re leaning, you should be cleaning.” We are hardwired to constantly be on the move.

The frantic life of moving from one activity to the next is exhausting. Life begins to become a loop of constant movement. We become so consumed in what’s coming next that we don’t take the time to stop and recognize the Lord’s presence. When the Lord created the world and all that’s within it, he gives us a blueprint. He exemplified what it looks like to stop and rest.

He even wrote it in the Ten Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.” (Exodus 20:8-10a).

The practice of keeping the Sabbath is for our good. It offers us space to abide in our Father. Growing up my dad would set boundaries for things like how much time I spend on the phone or where and when I could go places. In a way, these boundaries set limits on us so we get the rest we need. However, unlike our earthly fathers, only the Everlasting Father can give us the rest we need. As we take our Sabbath in him, he provides all we need.

Jesus says those who abide in him will bear fruit. What kind of fruit, you might ask? The fruit of the Spirit. If we do not spend intentional time regularly abiding in God’s word, how do we expect to bear any fruit?

When was the last time you sat still in the Lord’s presence? It may be uncomfortable to begin with. Your mind will race. You’ll be reminded of all the things you need to do. But I challenge you to stop what you’re doing and look to the Father for just a few minutes each day. Abide in him and Jesus abides in the Father.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for Jesus’ example of abiding. Speak to our hearts as we slow down and sit with you. Amen.