The 10 Commandments continue to apply to Christians today. 

Of all the commandments, do you want to know which one gets the most space? 

Is it murder, idolatry or adultery? Nope.

It’s one day a week for Sabbath rest. 

Trust me: This isn’t a guilt trip. Many of us struggle to find time to rest. We live in a society when Sunday is no longer ‘protected’ from the encroachments of the world. That just makes it harder. Previously, your options were limited. You could go to church, enjoy walks outside, or spend some quality time with family or friends. Businesses were expected to be closed (including Amazon), and no sports were held.

We are no longer in that time.

Further, technology has infiltrated our pockets and homes. It has brought some good things—but it has also brought beeps, demands, and anxiety-laced pressures which interrupt our collective and individual peace of mind.

Like I said, this isn’t a guilt trip. I just want to encourage all of us—myself included—to be deliberate about one day a week. 

Make it different. Make it worshipful. Make it slower. 

In Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV) God says that “if you honor [the Sabbath], not going your own ways… then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth…”

It’s metaphorical language, of course, but if you have ever been in a great state of mind and you felt like you were on top of the world, that’s it.

God doesn’t tell us to do things to make our lives worse, but to make them better.

Rest is God’s pure medicine for your soul.

Perhaps all of this seems like a long shot. Maybe you feel like you’re on a hamster wheel with no off ramp. If so, start with baby steps. Make it different. Make it worshipful. Make it slower. 

And you will star to “ride on the heights of the earth.”

Rest is God’s pure medicine for your soul.

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on December 2, 2024.