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The Need For Rest

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. EXODUS 20:8-11

Real rest isn’t just a day off

Only God can help me rest

For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. EXODUS 20:11 NLT

Real rest restores my identity and value

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work,but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day… DEUTERONOMY 5:12-13, 15 NLT

To experience sabbath rest we need the Lord of rest

Ultimately, Sabbath rest isn’t so much about time but about trust.
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” MARK 2:27-28 NLT
Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. JOHN 19:28-30 NLT
So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. HEBREWS 4:9-11 NLT

How to practice resting:

Stop working.

What do you really want to do?
Pressure
Performance
Payment

Spend time delighting in God’s blessings

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. GENESIS 1:31 NLT

Shut off technology to have real presence

Let someone else help

Sit still and be formed by God

For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem he has desired it for his home. “This is my resting place forever,” he said. “I will live here, for this is the home I desired.” PSALM 132:3-4 NLT
…Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” MATTHEW 11:28 NLT

Community Group Discussion Questions

  1. What are some of the cues that let you know that you need a little more rest?
  2. Read Exodus 20:8-11. Is it harder for you to work for six days or to rest for one? What makes that one harder for you?
  3. How might regularly letting go of control for one day affect the way you see God’s presence in your life?
  4. In what ways has a lack of rest recently and adversely affected you and the people around you?
  5. Read Mark 2:27. In what practical ways is the sabbath a gift to you and not just another “rule to follow?”
  6. What are some of the things that help you set aside time for your sabbath?
  7. Read Matthew 11:28. What is one “heavy burden” that you have been carrying that you need to trust Jesus with so you can find true rest?

Personal Reflection Guide

Go to a place that is relaxing and quiet. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings and allow them to become calm. When you’re ready, consider that Sabbath rest is about trust in God. How would trusting God help you really rest? What do you need to trust him with? What are your feelings as you consider giving up control and resting? Ask God to help you discern what these feelings are telling you about what you trust in. Pray he will help you to trust him more in any area needing growth. This week plan to observe a Sabbath rest and seek God’s guidance for when, where, and what to do. If you are practicing a regular Sabbath rest already, thank him for specific benefits you have experienced through these times.

My Notes