Introductory Thoughts
Unfortunately, most Christians use their time set aside for rest to do things that actually deprive them of the intended rest. According to the scriptures, rest is supposed to be used to refresh the individual (Exodus 23:12; Exodus 31:17; Isaiah 28:12). The rest is meant to bring the necessary strength and clarity of mind to go another week for the Lord. This refreshing is designed to bring a physical rest and spiritual renewal. Failure to do both causes the rest to be unfruitful and unprofitable. Rest was never intended to be self-serving, but rather a time of refreshment so that one might be able to properly provide for his family and minister for the Lord. When one uses it for any other purpose, he actually compounds his need for rest and problems associated with not getting any.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): In Deuteronomy 5:14, the Lord made it plain He wanted man to rest physically. In Deuteronomy 5:15, the Sabbath was also a time for God's people to remember what the Lord had done for them. That is spiritual refreshment.
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(For everyone): Do you have a day set aside for rest? What do you do during that day? Does it include both physical rest and spiritual renewal? If not, you are not truly resting.
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Do you start each week with a renewed strength for labour and a strong desire to serve the Lord? If not, you are likely not properly using your time of rest.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you understand the purpose of rest.
- Ask the Lord to teach you how to rest.
Song
TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
