"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished."
~ Genesis 2:3
I can just imagine the Father, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, taking a proverbial step back to observe all He had done.
In my minds eye, He makes an appreciative satisfied nod of His non-existent head... though, we were made in His image, so who knows...
He smiles at His handiwork, even knowing everything we would do and become, because even though He knows what's down the road, He also knows He has a plan.
He pauses to rest, to take it all in, and to take a moment of acknowledgement, of celebration.
If you've known me for any period of time, you know I'm a big advocate of the Sabbath. But, here, rather than a command, we have a precious illustration of the ultimate example.
Six days He has worked.
And then, He rests.
There's a lesson there. Actually, I think there are several lessons in this singular moment.
This past year and a half has been hard on a lot of people.
High emotional stress.
High physical stress.
Always alert.
High all-manner of stress, really.
It has not been the time to get worn down.
I recently learned that the hard way. My brother brought a little bug home. My father got it. About 10 days went by and I was pretty sure I had maintained my immune system well and I was good to go.
So, I stopped paying quite as close attention to how much sleep I was getting.
I returned my focus to tasks, rather than wellness.
I became less diligent with what I was putting in my body to support my system.
... And, it got me.
Then I rallied relatively quickly...
So, naturally, I did too much.
And, it sucked me back in.
Why is it we can't just heed the darn book?
The body is a temple and a gift of the Creator of all things. Take care of it. And, REST! It's right there in the big 10.
We get on that nonsensical human path of thinking somehow we know better, and we step off the clearly indicated, specifically outlined, path.
I'm not suggesting if we do those things we'll never find ourselves worn out or fighting something with that miraculous, magnificent creation of an immune system given to us by the Creator of the universe, but we sure have a better shot.
Maybe this is a silly reminder.
But, honestly, if I could go back in time a few weeks and finger wag at myself a bit to rest and better stay on top of hydrating and nourishing my body, I probably would.
So, silly or not. My prayer is that these meager words help to reinforce with someone else, yet another reason it's important to do what the Good Book says.
:)
This is me, taking a moment to encourage you.
Please take the moments for yourself to step back, to take a deep breath, to nod in appreciation of what you have done and acknowledge that it is indeed good. Celebrate.
... And, rest.
In the craziness of the modern world, we seem to try to move at the speed of technology. We have a sense of pressure to do more, be more, have more.
If you need permission from someone, I humbly offer it to you.
But even more, I point to the words of the Father, I point to His example and His command, and I implore us all to take the moments to take a step back. I implore us to rest, as He did, and He has instructed us to do.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the instruction manual.
Thank You for giving us a heart to know It and You better and better, day by day.
Thank You for being You and for guiding us along the way.
Abba, You are the Great Physician, by the wounds of Your Son we are healed. This day, I pray for all in need of healing of any kind.
Thank You for Your grace and mercy and lovingkindness.
Amen
"There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." ~ Hebrews 4:9-10
"Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." ~ Psalm 4:8
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
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