It’s the weekend again, and I want to encourage you to Sabbath, or truly relax, as you establish new habits this year. There’s a reason God advised the Jews to set aside a specific day of the week to relax and unwind. Rest is a sacred thing, and I believe that God’s Spirit resides in times when we intentionally relax and slow down. He communicates to us, leads us, and blesses us with great interactions with Him in such moments.

I’m sure you’ll agree with me that our world is strained, and it’s stressed like crazy! People are always busy and rushed, to the point that we’ve turned busyness into a virtue. For example, if I call you and say, “Hey, I know you’re super-busy…,” that’s a compliment in certain ways. “Hey, I know your schedule is wide-open and you probably don’t have anything to do,” on the other hand, is an insult. As a result, having a packed schedule and going nonstop has become an expectation, if not an idol. It’s come to the point where productivity has taken precedence over health and sanity, which I believe is unacceptable. 

Friend, we were created by God to walk in rhythms of rest, and saying no to certain things, whether it’s a commitment, a project, a contract, or even a trip, is truly a sign of growth and maturity. This year, be deliberate about what you say yes to and what you say no to, and make time to spend with your family and friends, and most importantly, with Jesus. Don’t let life pass you by as it whizzes by in a blur. In times of solitude, reflection, laughter, and rest, you will find abundant eternal life, and your legacy will be founded on such things. 

Today, follow the Lord’s lead and rest on the Sabbath. I can assure you that it will improve every aspect of your life, which is great news!