Beside Still Waters

I have always thought that the 23rd Psalm was most appropriate during times of illness or the loss of a loved one. But my quiet time this morning showed it to me in a different light. First, flip over to Hebrews 4:9-11.

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

I don't know about you, but I definitely feel like there aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week for me to get done the things that I need to get done. And while I always try to get my housework done during the week so I can enjoy my weekend, it doesn't take long for the dishes that are piling up in the sink, or the overflowing hamper to really get to me on Sunday afternoon. Now, God doesn't say that doing your laundry on Sunday is a sin, but let's think about the other things that we do on Sunday that shift our focus away from the Lord. Paying bills? Running errands? Catching up on work?

Resting on the Sabbath isn't about an archaic law that has passed it's usefulness. It isn't a requirement for our salvation. It is a statement of our faith, though. It takes faith during the week to believe that God will enable us to accomplish in 6 days what would take all 7. He's done it before, you know. It is also about being obedient to the Lord and resting in Him, allowing Him to be in charge of the day and lead us beside still waters, restore our souls, and renew our strength for the week ahead.

If it doesn't seem like this is a possibility ("Lord, I just have too much to do! How can I manage to get it all done so I can rest on Sunday?") flip over to Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law

In our quiet time this morning, the Law is the 4th Commandment - Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But what is the revelation? Check out Habakkuk 2:2a

Write the vision and make it plain on tablets...

The revelation, or the vision, is God's plan for our lives. We should be seeking God's will in everything, even our daily lives. God wants us to seek His help in planning our day - ask God to help you accomplish what you need to do today and write down your plan. Have faith! This translates over into the bigger picture, as well - seek God's will and plan for your life, ask what He wants you to accomplish for His kingdom and His glory, and write down what He impresses on your heart.

Most importantly, observing the Sabbath is about being obedient to God when He says "If you love me, obey my commandments". If we love God, and follow Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, why wouldn't we want to devote ALL the days of the week to showing that love, worshipping and fellowshipping with God? And all He's asking for is 1 day.

Don't you love it when God leads you through His word to show you what He has on His mind? Isn't it amazing that the Creator of the universe has something He wants to tell YOU in the mornings? Let me tell you, I only blog it because I am convicted of it, I'll be right alongside you asking for God's will and plan for my day and for my life, so I can rest, be renewed and restored on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it!! I can't wait for the Lord to be "my Shepherd,... to make me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul".