Focus
Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.
Read
Hebrews 4:14–5:4 (NRSV)
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
Reflect
I constantly fight fatigue. It seems like I live at work, only visiting my home on occasion. My home is 30 minutes from where I work, so an hour of my day is spent driving. I give everything I have to the residents with whom I work and have nothing left when I get off work. By the time I walk into my house, I’m aching and bone-weary, looking for my easy chair. A day of rest sounds like music to my ears.
In Hebrews, we are admonished to spend one day resting (meaning not working), worshiping and praising God. It wasn’t a suggestion—it was an order. God didn’t mince words! Frankly, giving up one entire day to rest sounds wonderful. I can hardly fathom the idea that folks in biblical times needed to be told, “Hey, take a day off, okay? Spend a little time resting and thinking about God!”
We aren’t told to take a day off from work just so we can revitalize ourselves. We’re told to take a day off to worship and praise God, giving God all we have within us. We are to bless God’s name. We are to stop what we are doing and let God be the focus.
A favorite scripture of mine is one that I think we should consider more often. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Be still. Know.
Pray
God, we are not still enough, often enough. We don’t dedicate even several hours to you most weeks, much less an entire day. You are the Almighty, our Creator, our Holy One. May we remember you more and praise you often. Forgive us when we don’t. Love us anyway. Amen.
Go with God.
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