STOP AND REST
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 20:11 (NIV)
Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of rest. It was present in the Garden of Eden, given as a commandment to the people of the Old Testament, and practiced by Jesus, who called His followers to make rest an integral part of their lives. If we’re not careful, we may impose our assumptions on the meaning of rest, missing the beautiful intention behind this set-apart day.
Let’s begin with what the Sabbath isn’t—it’s not just a day off. It’s not a time to lounge around aimlessly or tackle unfinished chores. It’s not meant to catch up on tasks outside the 9-to-5 or squeeze in more work. If the Sabbath isn’t about productivity or passivity, then what is it?
Two key Hebrew terms used in Scripture provide insight into the rest God calls His people. The first is Shabbat, which means to rest from labor. It’s shutting down the computer and clocking out. Naukh, the second Hebrew word, means to rest, settle and dwell. This rest is about presence and connection—like unwinding with family or lingering at dinner with friends.
We see both forms of rest in the Old Testament when God gives His people the Ten Commandments.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested (naukh) on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath (shabbat) day and made it holy.
Exodus 20:11 (NIV)
We Shabbat so that we can naukh—we cease work so that we can dwell with God and others. This challenges the modern idea of a day off. It’s not about laziness or strict religious rules but about embracing God’s invitation to delight. In our busy lives, we must intentionally choose to stop and rest. The Lord knows and understands how easily chaos can consume our time and attention. In His kindness, He provided the Sabbath. It teaches us to live from a place of delight and connection with Him and others.
APPLICATION: Plan this week for a day to stop and rest. What do you need to do to prepare? What can you add or take away from this designated day to make it one of rest?
PRAYER: Father, thank you for being a God who rests. It’s amazing and a demonstration of Your power and faithfulness. Teach me how to enter into Your rest. In Your name, Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?