Article by: Sarah Koontz
Why did God rest on the seventh day?
I mean, really?!?
He’s God—the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth—surely He doesn’t need to rest?
Yet, Genesis 2:2 tells us, “By the seventh day God completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done.”
If you are a productivity nut like me, you might be tempted to think…He rested because He got His work done...and I will rest when I get all my work done, too.
Our work here on earth is never done, friend. Never!
Let’s take another look at that verse from Genesis.
It says God worked hard for 6 days, and then He rested from His work.
Not only did He rest, He also looked back on all He had done and said it was good.
You and I both know He wasn’t tired, so His reason for resting on the seventh day must have deeper meaning.
I believe God was setting a divine example for His new creation.
He was showing us rest is part of His design.
Rest is part of God's design! Join this free Sabbath Bible study for women and learn how to create space for sacred rest in your life. #reclaimthesabbath
As I contemplated the true meaning of the Sabbath, I felt convicted by my utter disregard for this divinely instituted day of rest and worship.
Sure, my family attends our local church on Sunday mornings, but beyond that, Sundays are just like any other day.
Full of projects, cleaning, and a dozen other distractions.
My iPhone and computer topping the list.
I know it sounds silly, but somehow, my internet connection prevented me from entering sacred rest.
The whole world is at my fingertips, keeping me from the One who reigns above it all.
So I courageously unplugged my heart from the world and experienced the most glorious Sabbath I’ve ever known.
Seven days later, I did it again.
And again. And again. And now I can’t stop!
I don’t want to stop.
When I choose to unplug from the world, I can plug my whole heart into the One True Power Source.
He revives my soul in a way the world never will.
Just imagine the glory of a day without work, external pressures, or a to-do list—a sacred retreat from the noise of this world.
And then imagine doing this….every….single…week.
Just imagine the glory of a day with no work, no external pressures, no to-do list—a sacred retreat from the noise of this world. And then imagine doing this....every....single...week.Today, I am asking—no, I’m challenging you—to consider joining me in signing off for the Sabbath.
Can’t take a Sabbath rest on Sunday due to your work schedule? Pick another day.
Can’t turn off your smartphone for 24 hours? Sign off your social media apps & e-mail.
Scared of losing a day of productivity? Ask God to help you receive the Sabbath as a gift.
And take time this year to really study the Sabbath principle with me.
In order to help you do this, I’ve created a free Bible Study on Sabbath rest.
If you decide to join me for this study, you will receive weekly e-mails with exclusive video teachings + a guided Scripture reading plan on Sabbath rest.
Together we will learn why God established the Sabbath and the glorious blessings it holds for everyone who chooses to receive it as a gift.
Together we will learn why God established the Sabbath and the glorious blessings it holds for everyone who chooses to receive it as a gift. #ReclaimtheSabbathMaybe studying and applying these truths will transform you as it has transformed me.
I gave God one full day and in return, He gave me something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
A glimpse into the kind of life He designed just for me.
Exquisite. Peaceful. Awe-inspiring. Sacred.
Before I give you all the juicy details about our free Sabbath Bible study, you truly do need to take a minute to watch the promotional video..
This video was so fun to create and is packed full of heart, soul, and sunshine.
Videography by EMILY COSTOPOULOS
I invite you to join me for this FREE 6-week video series and guided Scripture reading plan on Sabbath rest.THIS FREE BIBLE STUDY WILL HELP YOU…
- Embrace the weekly rhythm of work and rest established by God
- Establish healthy boundaries between the sacred and the secular
- Enjoy life’s accomplishments and celebrate God’s gifts
- Engage your whole being in rest and worship on a regular basis
- Experience the many blessings connected to Sabbath rest
Throughout this 6-week study, you will receive weekly e-mails from me, which will include exclusive teaching videos and a guided Scripture reading plan.
The weekly reading plan can easily be completed in 10-15 minutes per day, 5 days per week.
Sign up today, and we will send you this beautiful digital print created by Libby Denniston as a thank-you gift!
**NOTE: You will receive a welcome letter + the digital print immediately. The first devotional will arrive in your inbox tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by today, friend!
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about our free Sabbath Bible study and that you’ll prayerfully consider joining us.
If your schedule is already packed to the brim, please know that this study is available on-demand, so you can start at your convenience.
God bless!
This blog was originally published on June 4, 2018. During Sarah Koontz’s Sabbatical in 2024, we will be sharing some of our favorite articles and e-mails from the archives with you. Thank you for praying for Sarah and her family as they enjoy this beautiful season of Sabbath rest.
