DAY OF DELIGHT
The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between Me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”
Exodus 31:16-17 (NIV)
We are privileged to live in a weekend-centered culture, where society revolves around the 9-to-5 workweek. Phrases like living for the weekend and working for the weekend imply that Monday through Friday is merely a necessary evil to reach two days off.
If we’re not careful, however, two habits can form. The first is getting caught in a relentless cycle of work and toil, only to escape into 48 hours of disconnection. The second is filling time away from work with more obligations, leaving little room for rest.
As followers of Jesus, our lives are filled with paradoxes: We die to ourselves so that we may live, weakness is strength, and receiving is always better than giving. Sabbath is yet another paradox to which believers are invited. The Sabbath is not another day to be filled with household tasks or work. It’s not a day of religious obligation, rituals, disassociation and disconnection. No, the Sabbath is a day of delight.
Dan Allender says in his work Sabbath: “Sabbath is not about time off or a break of routine. It is not a minivacation to give us a respite so we are better prepared to go back to work. The Sabbath is far more than a diversion; it is meant to be an encounter with God’s delight.”
What does this day of delight look like? The dictionary defines delight as a profound sense of joy, pleasure, and satisfaction. What we do on the Sabbath should reflect these feelings. It looks like slow mornings, devotional time with the Lord, playing with your kids, coffee with a friend, worship, long dinners or movie nights. It includes anything that brings rest, connection and communion. The Sabbath is more than a day off—it is a time to dwell with God and others. When we embrace the Sabbath as intended, our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies find true rest.
APPLICATION: What can Sabbath practically look like for you and your family? Make a list of the things you enjoy— life-giving activities. Then, begin incorporating those as Sabbath in the weeks to come.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for making the Sabbath a delight. Help me discover what a truly delightful Sabbath day can look like. You’re wonderful, and I’m excited to be with You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?