“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Today’s world values time to rest and recover from everyday responsibilities. As individuals coping with the storms and stresses of life, we realize the necessity and significance of revitalizing rest. How do you contemplate rest? Reading a book? Watching a movie? Playing a game? These common pursuits, although somewhat beneficial, only provide superficial respite; however, as Christ followers, we serve a God who desires to revitalize our complete being: body, soul, and spirit – through the intimacy of relationship.

In Genesis, through divine foresight, God ordained, modeled, and consecrated Sabbath rest.  Throughout the Old Testament, He reiterated and emphasized the significance and sanctity of Sabbath rest – to the people He called His own.

God’s continual call to rest and relationship in the Old Testament foreshadows the everlasting rest believers experience through their relationship with Jesus. Sabbath rest is a sign of our eternal covenant relationship with God; therefore, it is our privilege to set aside time to honor, worship, and petition God our redeemer.

Do you desire revitalizing rest? May God’s invitation to Sabbath rest compel you into a deeper relationship with God.  Amidst life’s distractions and busyness, consecrate time to immerse yourself in Him. Prioritize and nurture your relationship through worship, reflection, and prayer. Jesus, our Sabbath rest, yearns for you to come to Him, learn from Him, and discover a satisfying oasis of rest for your soul. As you prioritize and cultivate your relationship with God, you will inevitably experience His revitalizing sovereign rest.

Read more: Learning to Rest: The Miracle of God

Dear Heavenly Father, Protect me from the distractions of daily life. Help me to set aside quality time to cultivate and nurture my relationship with You. Create in me an insatiable thirst for Your presence and Your Sovereign rest. As I come to You, may I encounter You in a way that revitalizes my innermost being.

Take Action

Today, reflect on Matthew 11:28-29. Contemplate the following question: How can I experience God’s Sabbath rest?

Post a comment. How have you experienced Sabbath rest?