Daily Scripture Reading:
Psalm 16:8, 9, 11 – I keep the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure . . . You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Like some of you, I grew up in the dark ages, when there were no stores open on Sunday. Our routine as a family included Sunday School, worship, home-cooked lunch, and then the afternoon drive to Grandma Ella’s house. My brother, Gene, and I always hoped that some of our many cousins had also made the journey to spend the afternoon. If the weather was good, we’d play outside. If not, we’d sit around the living room, baking from the heat of the wood stove, freezing if we had to make a pit stop to the bathroom. There was no TV, no cell phones, nothing electronic – only stories, laughter, the Sunday comics (in color) and lots of family time.
My, how things have changed.
Today, it’s an oddity that something is closed on Sunday. No chicken sandwiches from the restaurant in red. However, if you need groceries, lumber or new shoes, you can find it! Plenty of stores are open for your shopping pleasure.
How can we take time to stop and rest – to practice Sabbath? All of us need time for spiritual renewal and re-creation. Sabbath can also be practiced in different ways. For some, gardening or cooking is a renewing, refreshing activity and for some, it’s work. The goal: don’t do anything that you might put on a to-do list. All of us need to find a place of rest that can draw us back to God and fill us with joy and peace.
Prayer: Holy God, you have created us to need rest and renewal. Help us to make room for Sabbath rest. Show us ways we can be faithful to You as we rest. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Reflection Question and/or Application for the Day:
Name 3 activities that are renewing and refreshing for you.
Name 3 times when you feel closest to God.
What can you do differently in your life and/or your family life so that you can spend more time in Sabbath rest?
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Devotion from Building Margin for a Balanced Life, devotional book, small group study and sermon series
©Tim Reaves and Trish Archer
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