Do you go through life with a Monday mentality? If you’re not sure how to answer that question, let me ask you this: do you consider Monday the first day of the week? If so, my aim today is to convince you to shift your paradigm.

Throughout the course of history, the Jewish Sabbath has always begun at sundown Friday night and ended at sundown on Saturday. The significance of observing the day from dark to light is that it symbolizes rest preceding work and activity. Similarly, on the Christian calendar, Sunday, which is the Sabbath, is officially the first day of the week (even though many people think it to be Monday). In this order, again, rest precedes work and routine. I believe it is arranged this way because in God’s world, relaxing, slowing down, investing in yourself, and putting your family first is imperative to carrying out what He has called you to the rest of the week — to do any less is to shortchange yourself! 

Friend, I urge you to remember that the Sabbath is the most important part of your week. Though you may consider it optional, it is the Lord’s intent that you have a day to recharge, renew, and refresh before you enter the routine of your daily work. I encourage you to embrace Sunday (or whatever day you have available to rest) with the understanding that it has the potential to set the tone for the next six days of your life. Knowing that, then, use it to do the things that release your stress, build your faith, relax your mind, and draw you closer to Jesus, who is the source of your strength and energy!