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Reflect and Replenish

Olympic athletes are amazing to watch. Years of dedicated training prepare them for the critical moments when medals are won and lost. However, isn’t it interesting that disciplined rest is a keystone to their training?

Like all of us, their bodies grow through cycles of work and rest. For these athletes, though, not all rest looks the same. There is a practice called active recovery that we can learn from. The idea is to perform light exercises on rest days to replenish and care for their muscles.

Today’s guiding verse gives us a similar key to biblical rest. In Scripture, meditation means to reflect on God’s truth. It’s a quiet time for thinking deeply about who God is, what He calls us to do, and who He’s made us to be.

In fact, the Psalmist even calls meditation a “delight,” describing it as a constant rhythm in our lives. Like active recovery for athletes, this mode of rest isn’t about turning off our minds but engaging them. In doing so, we thrive.

We become like healthy trees with plenty of water—producing fruit and shade beneficial to everyone around us.

While Sabbath time is a regular break from all of the things pulling at our attention, it doesn’t mean it’s a day-long nap. Our replenishment and renewal are tied to an engaged mind and spirit. So, how do we fully rest?

A Sabbath starts with reflection.

The world would love to keep us from thinking about the things of God—even though that’s precisely what we should do! In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul gives us an excellent place to start:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

God’s Word is good. It is full of life-giving peace and strength. When we meditate on Scripture in times of structured rest, we are replenished, rejuvenated, and renewed.

As you engage with God’s Word:

● Where can I make more time to reflect on what God has done for me?

● What is God saying to me?

● How can I apply what God is teaching me?

● How can I be specific in prayer today?