Set Aside A Day to Rest

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ~ Exodus 20:8

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day and told her that I work and work and work until I am so worn out that I give-in to sickness to justify my taking a break.  When I read these words, when I say them out-loud, I realize not only how dumb that sounds, but also how prideful.  The Bible says I am to, “Work with enthusiasm, as though…working for the Lord rather than for people,” (Ephesians 6:7).  I am to work with enthusiasm—with goodwill or kindness—not slave and slave and slave until I drop.  When I slave away, I realize it’s to win people’s approval, for my God loves me enough that He has said, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God….Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy,” (Exodus 20:9-11).  God made holy—set aside or purposed for me—a Sabbath—a day of rest—so that I could enthusiastically carry out the work He has given me.  When I follow His plan, then I’m able to—in His power—carry out His desired work in my life with enthusiasm and great success.  However, when I ignore His plan, then I’m slaving away in my power and ability until I collapse in sickness and no longer enjoy the work the Lord has laid before me.

Father, thank you for revealing to me that while I’m not where I want to be, I’m also not where I used to be and it’s all for Your glory.  Thank you for showing me the way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.