Weekend services are just one part of a weekly day of rest and reflection. We gather to renew our spirits and to encourage our souls. When we are too busy to engage with church, we are failing to observe God’s command for Sabbath rest. Our souls are not designed for 24/7 activity. We need intentional times that we pause in God’s presence. Exodus 20:8 says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”Sunday’s or whatever day you go to church is for the Lord! That means not saving all your chores for Sunday so you don’t have time to pause and praise. We also have to avoid scheduling sports, meetings, parties, and other commitments on Sundays. Block out Sundays on that planner so no one steals that special time from you and your family. We protect this day, this time, not because we are bound to strict rules but because we know how desperately our souls need the spiritual strength and connection that the church offers. Sundays should be about more than church; they should be about time spent with family and friends, restful activities, and soul-nourishing practices. Enjoy waking a little slower, walking to move your body, sharing food with friends and loved ones, creating in a way that nourishes your soul, and entering into Sunday as a special day of rest. Embrace a day of sabbath. Your mind, body, soul, and those who live around you will thank you.Photo Credit: ©Nathan Mullet/Unsplash
Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is encouraging others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for Your Nightly Prayer, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, Your Daily Prayer, and more. She has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com, Biblestudytools.com, and Christianity.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God’s Heart of Love for Mommas, alongside her husband’s companion devotional, Shepherd. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.
