REST IS A GIFT
The fourth commandment tells us to remember the Sabbath. Like all of God’s commandments, this is given for our good.
God gave us a rhythm of life– work, and rest. God gave Adam work to do in the Garden. The assignment of work was given before Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. It was not given as punishment. Rather, it gave Adam purpose. God intended for Adam and Eve and their descendants to manage the creation into which He placed them. It is a blessing to have meaningful work. It is also a blessing to be able to step back from it and take a break.
God set the example of Sabbath rest at creation. As He gives the fourth commandment, He reminds us He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. He plans for us to have a day set aside to rest from our labor. It is an appropriate time to worship and reflect on His goodness to us.
God’s commandments are designed to help us live better, more fulfilling lives. Doing things God’s way is its own reward, because life works better. That is not to say we avoid all problems. In this world, problems are inevitable. But following God’s direction helps us avoid unnecessary problems. In the case of the fourth commandment, God wants to protect us from burdens we were never meant to carry. If we constantly try to accomplish more, do it better, meet the demands others place on us, and attempt to fit in all the things we want to do (but can’t find the time for) we create stress and anxiety. Stepping back, resting, and reflecting, enables us to keep a healthier pace. When we rest, read God’s Word, and pray, He helps us determine what is important and what isn’t. Rest is a gift.
Just as the Israelites did not need to gather manna on the seventh day, we don’t have to work seven days to provide for our families. Nor do we need to work nonstop for seven days to do everything God calls us to do. Honoring the Sabbath is trusting in God’s provision. Taking a Sabbath rest is a way of showing we trust in His power to accomplish through us, in six days, everything that needs doing.
In a deeper sense, believers find rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. God, the Father, calls us to right relationship with Him through Jesus–God in the flesh. We cannot be right with God through our own efforts, no matter how hard we work at trying to do good things, or by leading a moral life. Being right with God does not come by human effort. God has promised eternal life, and salvation from eternal punishment, to whoever proclaims Jesus as Lord, and believes God raised Him from the dead. We rest in His promise that we are covered by Jesus’ righteousness.
Jesus invites us to find rest in Him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Rest is a gift.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. . . 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
How have you experienced the blessing of Sabbath rest? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Very good as always.
God bless you.
Thank you so much, George.
Ouch. This one hurts. It’s hard to rest in this world and it’s even harder to purposely plan that rest time. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me, not only is it God’s reward to us, but it’s a commandment. Love you
Thanks, Michelle. I’m glad you found it helpful.
Thanks for sharing, Phyllis. It’s sometimes difficult to rest when there are so many things to do on the weekends while still working full time. I appreciate your post!
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Joni.