Commandment Number 4

Exodus 20:8-11

Many of us know this one. Thou shalt keep the Sabbath holy. Bascially it says that no one should be doing anything. That everyone should be resting. What does that mean? I used to think that it meant I couldn't do anything. Well, of course I was breaking that commandment. Then I realized that God didn't rest because He was tired. He rested because He wanted to reflect on what He had created. He wanted to take a break and enjoy it all. For Israel it was meant for them to stop everything. To eat left overs and give the help off. For us, I believe, it is for us to enjoy all that God has granted us. It's a means to shut out the world and enjoy a peaceful time with God.

I don't believe that God only wants the 'Sabbath' day. He wants us to do that every chance we get. God, our Creator, wants us to reflect daily on His goodness. He wants you to tell Him how beautiful the sunset is or how the sound of a child laughing brings a smile to your face. He wants to know that you have looked around and see that 'it is good'.

The whole point about taking time to rest is that we are to rest in God. It's not just about ceasing from physical labor but an heart attitude focused on Christ.

Take some time to rest. God is waiting.