Daily Delight Devotional – Saturday, June 1, 2024
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it, you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
– Exodus 20:9-10, NKJV
Work is a vital part of our lives, and we are called to perform it diligently and responsibly. The Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:23 reminds us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Our work can be a form of worship and service to God, reflecting His creativity, diligence, and care. However, when work becomes all-consuming, it can lead to burnout, stress, and a diminished relationship with God and others.
Although rest can be challenging in the face of work deadlines, bills, and other financial pressure, it is crucial for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The principle of balancing work and rest is rooted in God’s own creation pattern and His commandments to His people.
Our text today outlines God’s command for a balanced approach to work and rest. We are instructed to labour for six days but to keep the seventh day as a Sabbath — a day of rest dedicated to the Lord. This rhythm of work and rest was established by God Himself during creation when He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. This rest is not merely a physical cessation of labour but a time to refresh and reconnect with God, recognizing that rest is a part of His blessings.
Rest allows us to pause from our daily routines, focus on God’s presence, and gain perspective on our lives and work. Recognizing rest as part of God’s blessings means understanding that it is a gift, not a burden. It is an opportunity to experience God’s peace, provision, and renewal. It also teaches us to trust in God’s sovereignty, acknowledging that our productivity and success ultimately depend on Him, not just our efforts.
Insight: Finding a balance between work and rest is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. Recognizing rest as a blessing from God allows us to trust in His provision and care.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to value rest as a blessing from You, and to trust in Your provision and care. May my work be a reflection of Your glory, and my rest a time of renewal in Your presence in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading: Luke 11-12