A Holy Day
“God wants to inhabit hearts that want to spend time with Him.”
Genesis 2:1-3 (NLT)
So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
Reflection
In a world that values achieving success at any cost, it is no surprise that resting is considered a needless luxury. In God’s economy, nothing could be further from the truth. Setting aside a day to rejuvenate and focus on God is for our benefit, not His. A consistent rhythm of rest is necessary for our spiritual health. In fact, in Isaiah 66:1 of the NIV, when God told the Israelites that He wanted to live in their hearts, He worded it this way:
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
God wants to inhabit hearts that want to spend time with Him. This principle extends beyond the Sabbath, but it must start here. If I get out of the habit of honoring God on Sunday, I find it easier to skip my quiet time with Him each morning. Before long, my daily schedule becomes less manageable and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. However, everything falls into place when I prioritize God in my day.
God declared that our three greatest resources should be set apart and used for His glory—our time (Isaiah 58:13-14), our money (Proverbs 3:9-10), and our bodies (1 Thessalonians 5:23). When we steward these gifts wisely, we enjoy a closeness with God that money cannot buy and achievements cannot replace. If we dishonor Him in these areas, the distance we create in our relationship with Him will be obvious, first to ourselves, and then to everyone around us.
Action Step
Try to imagine God residing in a heart that never slows down and never takes time to be in His presence. Does this describe your heart? If so, what needs to change so that you have time to spend with God?
Prayer
Lord, search my heart and tell me if it is the resting place You desire it to be. If it isn’t, then make it clear to me what I need to change. Amen!
So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
Reflection
In a world that values achieving success at any cost, it is no surprise that resting is considered a needless luxury. In God’s economy, nothing could be further from the truth. Setting aside a day to rejuvenate and focus on God is for our benefit, not His. A consistent rhythm of rest is necessary for our spiritual health. In fact, in Isaiah 66:1 of the NIV, when God told the Israelites that He wanted to live in their hearts, He worded it this way:
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
God wants to inhabit hearts that want to spend time with Him. This principle extends beyond the Sabbath, but it must start here. If I get out of the habit of honoring God on Sunday, I find it easier to skip my quiet time with Him each morning. Before long, my daily schedule becomes less manageable and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. However, everything falls into place when I prioritize God in my day.
God declared that our three greatest resources should be set apart and used for His glory—our time (Isaiah 58:13-14), our money (Proverbs 3:9-10), and our bodies (1 Thessalonians 5:23). When we steward these gifts wisely, we enjoy a closeness with God that money cannot buy and achievements cannot replace. If we dishonor Him in these areas, the distance we create in our relationship with Him will be obvious, first to ourselves, and then to everyone around us.
Action Step
Try to imagine God residing in a heart that never slows down and never takes time to be in His presence. Does this describe your heart? If so, what needs to change so that you have time to spend with God?
Prayer
Lord, search my heart and tell me if it is the resting place You desire it to be. If it isn’t, then make it clear to me what I need to change. Amen!
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