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Keeping the Sabbath Holy
Be still, and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10
The Lord doesn’t mince words when discussing the Sabbath. He included it among His most important instructions to His people—the Ten Commandments: “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” (Exodus 20:8–10).
The Sabbath is to be a holy time, devoid of work and dedicated to worship, prayer, and praise. When we honor God as a family, we begin to sense the depth of the love, peace, and power that are available to us.
God commands us to keep the Sabbath holy. (They are the Ten Commandments, after all, not the ten suggestions!) But how, you ask, can you make Sunday—or whatever day you choose as your Sabbath rest—a holy day amid life’s many distractions? You can start by unplugging the phone and computer and turning off the television, washer, and dryer. Begin the day and each new activity with a prayer. Join fellow believers at church. Light a candle as a reminder of the One who is the light of the world. By respecting the Sabbath, you’ll discover a holy, healing calm that will revive you and your entire family.
Before you say good night . . .
- How often do you truly honor God as a family on the Sabbath?
- Besides what’s listed above, what else can you do to keep the Sabbath holy?
- How might your family benefit from a weekly day of rest?
Father, we need the sweet calmness of a day focused completely on You. Our marriage needs it, and the kids need it, too. Show us Your desire and Your will in making this happen. The first step can be the most difficult! Guide us by Your strong hand. Amen.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. (Ps. 62:7, ESV)
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, . . . (Ps. 92:1-2, ESV)
Excerpted from Night Light for Parents, used with permission.
“6 Crucial Concepts for Your Child’s Spiritual Development” (This article, excerpted from Dr. Dobson’s Emotions: Can You Trust Them?)
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About this Plan
“Hurry sickness” is an expression that has been coined to describe behavioral patterns involving the rapid pace at which we conduct our activities and the volume of tasks we take on---and that we model for our children. God did not intend us to “run ourselves ragged.” The Sabbath He instituted indicates a need for rest and dependence on Him. This week we consider the importance of slowing down.
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