[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” The quote is attributed to Marc Antony, but it certainly applies to my life.  I love what I do, even when it’s a messy, stinky job like cleaning out the barn. The disadvantage comes when you do what you love without a break. Even Jesus, who often worked all day and prayed all night, honored the Sabbath. I, on the other hand, find rest difficult.

Rest may not seem like progress, but it is.

Several years ago, I accidentally “did nothing” one Sunday. At the end of the day, I complained that I did not do a productive thing all afternoon. Quick as a flash, the still, small voice in my heart whispered, “Oh, yes, you did. You took a Sabbath.”

Rest isn’t easy for me, but I’ve been intentional about the Sabbath for a while now. I attend services at my church and come home to rest.  Of course, the livestock must be fed, but I don’t clean the barn or check items off my to-do list. Instead, I listen to music, walk outside, play with the dogs, read books.  On a rare occasion, I nap. When the weather is nice, I sit outside and ponder life.

Early one Sunday morning,  I lay in bed and considered what I wanted to do for the day. I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but I said, “Lord, could I have a pass on Sabbath rest today? I’d sure like to work on edits.”

I did not get a pass.

Instead, I received a still, small reminder of the benefits of honoring the Sabbath. Isaiah  58 offers an enticing reward for choosing rest on this holy day.

“IF because of the sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the sabbath a delight…THEN you will take delight in the Lord…ride on the heights of the earth…be fed with the heritage of Jacob…” Isaiah 58:13-14 nasb

“Now may God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and an abundance of grain and new wine; May peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you, Be master of your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed by those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you.” Genesis 27:28-29

The simple act of obedience in Sabbath rest yields delight, abundant provision, authority, and influence, as well as blessings for those who bless you and curses on your enemies.

I can’t quite take this in, but I believe it’s true. IF I will choose to turn from doing what I want and spend the day taking delight in my God, THEN He will bless me in astounding and generous ways. 

Obedience in rest is worth it.

Today, the to-do list can wait. I choose rest and all the blessings it brings.

What will you do today? How do you honor the Sabbath? I’m eager to hear, so be sure to leave a comment below. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]You might also like:

When You’re Too Busy to Be Still But Rest Isn’t Optional

Four Reasons We Should Honor the Sabbath Rest Today

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