Sunday? But isn't Sunday the day we are to cease from work? Isn't Sunday the day we are to set aside the hectic pace of our lives to worship, rest and relax? But have you noticed what is happening to Sunday? Employers are now open for business, people are working, conferences are held, and there are more organized sports activities taking place. The day once designated for worship and rest is now becoming another day of work, busyness and frenziness.
As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, God told them to set aside one day of the week called the Sabbath for rest and worship. He commanded it because he knew the Israelites needed a day of unhurried time for worship, relaxation and rest. Today, people are not commanded to keep a Sabbath because they are free from the Old Testament law (Colossians 2:14-17). But although we are not commanded to worship and rest, someone has aptly said: " To observe a regular time of rest and worship in our fast-paced world demonstrates how important God is to us, and it gives us the extra benefit of refreshing our spirits."
Joshua Becker, in his article,
The lost practice of resting one day each week, shares five benefits of concentrated rest for our mind, body and soul:
- Healthier body
- Less Stress
- Deeper relationships
- Opportunity for reflection
- Balance
- Increased production
Life places many demands upon us, so it's important to remember the provision God has given us to worship, rest and refresh. So if the hectic pace of your life has caused you to neglect your Sunday, determine today to recapture it, so you'll never have to wonder where it went when Monday comes.
