LESSONS FROM THE SABBATH*

The Sabbath day runs from Sundown on Friday to Sundown on Saturday. This is a day of rest, worship, family, reflection of our Creator and Sanctifier, and communion with nature. 

To those who honor God by obedience to His command to remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy, God gives spiritual rejuvenation. 

The Sabbath is a memorial of creation, a sign of our relationship with God, and a foretaste of eternal rest. The Sabbath is a "golden clasp" uniting God with His children. 

On the point that the Sabbath is a time of rest, let us take a deeper look at the subject of rest. This month, we are taking a look at the Season of Giving. Today’s message is one we all overlook, and that is giving ourselves permission to rest. "Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work." By Ralph Marston. 

December is the busiest time of the year for many people during the “Yuletide Season.” If it isn't one thing, it's another, so how can you get good rest during the holidays? To help us answer this question, let us look at a story from Loma Linda University. “A bright, young medical student at Loma Linda found himself burning out. Getting up at four in the morning, working until midnight, he struggled to keep up with his strenuous curriculum, but to no avail. He fell farther and farther behind.

“In desperation, he went to his professor for help. Being an astute man, the professor recommended that Tom get at least seven hours of sleep each night, no matter what, and thirty minutes of vigorous exercise every day. Tom was incredulous, but at last he reluctantly agreed to give this program a try. After all, he was so far down he had nothing to lose. To his utter amazement, his grades began to improve within just two weeks. By the end of the year, he was in the upper third of his class and in due time successfully completed his medical training.”— “I’m So Tired,” Hardinge Lifestyle Series (Loma Linda, Calif., Loma Linda University School of Health, 1988), pp. 3-5.

 Many of us are just like Tom. We all need to have daily rest, as well as weekly rest, to achieve optimum health physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially."

 The need for rest and good health:

 All of us are aware of the need to rest. We need food, we need water, and we need rest to maintain good health. So often our bodies themselves give us the signal that it is time to rest, and so often the signals are loud and clear. Much of the time, if we listened to what our bodies tell us, we would get enough rest. Unfortunately, we so often are caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, of earning money, of running here and there, that we don’t listen to our own flesh. How many folk—struck down by sickness—have finally been forced to rest, and for a long time, too, who otherwise would have been fine had they listened to what their own bodies were telling them?

 Sooner or later, we will rest—one way or another. The question is, why not do it the best way possible? What signals does your body send to you, telling you it’s time to slow down and rest? But how well do you listen to your body?

 Everyone needs rest:

 Every living creature needs time for rest to restore what has been used. Consider the word restoration, which means “the act of returning to an original state or condition.” In adjective form, it means a “reinvigorating medicine” or “anything that reinvigorates.” “Sleep, nature’s sweet restorer, invigorates the tired body and prepares it for the next day’s duties."

 We need to realize our limitations. We cannot do our work in our own strength. God promises grace to cope with our work. In regular rest, we permit the Lord to restore our bodies so we will awaken refreshed, ready to do His will."

 What is essential

 Work and rest are essential parts of God's design. The command for weekly and daily rest was given as a blessing, not a burden, to help people realign their hearts with God and good health. During His busy days of ministry after His baptism until His death, Jesus sought quiet places to rest with his disciples, setting an example for all of God's workers and humanity at large. The Word of God strongly advocated for a balanced life that includes deliberate periods of rest and a measured pace, warning against the physical and spiritual dangers of constant hurry and overwork. Rest is a divine provision for physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation. 

 What Does the Bible Say About Rest?

 "In Psalms 46:10, God reminds us of the importance of rest, challenging us to 'Be still.” At times, it’s hard to even imagine taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life. Although difficult, taking breaks throughout the day is needed to provide clarity to your mind and renewed strength for your body." 

While many of us can feel that needing to rest is a sign of weakness or laziness, God offers rest as a blessing to those who trust Him fully.

 In peace I will lie down and sleep; for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat, for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:2.

What is the relationship between the soul's rest and God?

Truly, my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5.

Application:

“The need for reinvigoration arises from burnout, monotony, and depleted energy, requiring intentional restoration for better mental, physical, and professional performance, achieved by breaking routines, setting new goals, seeking new experiences, focusing on self-care, and aligning actions with purpose to boost creativity, productivity, and overall well-being.” Something as simple as stepping outside for some fresh air or praying for guidance can bring immediate relief. Short breaks throughout the day, such as a 10-minute walk, listening to a song, or reading a page of a book, can help lower stress levels and refocus the mind. Whenever stress builds up, mistakes become more likely. If you work all week and never take a break, you could find yourself falling asleep at the wheel while driving or suffering from migraines or other physical ailments. Quick, restorative activities throughout the day will reset your mind and body, making it easier to handle challenges and hear God’s voice more clearly. As you go through your day, remember, “If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit." By Banksy. Have a wonderful day.