Week 2 | Day 5 | Rest and Refuel

Command:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Read:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV)

Reflect:

I was driving down 5 South on my way home to San Diego from Orange County. Right when I approached San Onofre, the gas light in my car appeared. If you’re familiar with this stretch of the highway, you know that there isn’t a gas station for another 15-20 miles. I couldn’t believe that I had allowed myself to be in this situation. Even with the buffer of 30 extra miles after the gas light turns on, I spent the next 20 miles in complete panic mode. 

This is how many of us live our lives. We do as much as we can during the week; crazy work deadlines, over-scheduled activities, and long to-do lists, leaving zero room for margin. We fill our calendar, and what we don’t get done Monday through Friday, we reserve for the weekend – including the Sabbath Day. It’s no wonder we’re in a constant state of feeling hurried and worried.

The gas light in our car is a warning sign that we’re close to empty. This lifestyle of running on reserves leaves us stressed and burnt out. God gives us the gift of Sabbath and promises to refresh us if we are weary, worn out, or overworked. Don’t wait for the gas light to come on in your life to refuel. Dedicate one day out of the week to take a break and spend time with Jesus. Let his presence refill and refresh you.

React:

What are the warning signs in your life that tell you you’re almost on empty? Where could you use a little (or a lot) of God’s rest in your life?

Pray:

Jesus, thank you for the gift of the rest. Help me to honor the Sabbath and create margin in my life so that I can live freely and lightly.