Partaking in the Sabbath

032408: What a wonderful start to a Sabbath day. God is so good. I know that it will be a sort of challenge today to keep away from working for my behalf. I am such a busy body. Today I must keep in God's rest. There lay all the blessings and strength I need.

1 Corinthians 9:10Or does He speak certainly and entirely for our sakes? [Assuredly] it is written for our sakes, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher ought to thresh in expectation of partaking of the harvest.

Paul is telling the Corinthians that each person and thing that produces expects and hopes in taking part of their efforts. God has designed us this way. God's law even says that oxen must not be muzzled when the are treading out the corn so that they may graze and eat a little while doing their work. God wants us to enjoy the work of His hands and the work of our own hands.

I have to admit that I still struggle with taking a Sabbath, but I am really trying to be better. I want to be glad for the Sabbath instead of feeling like it is keeping me from doing God's work. As I rest in the Lord today, I will be accomplishing a very good thing, which is building up my character, obedience, and self-control. I have all these urges to make lists, check my email, organize my planner, etc. However, God is clearly telling me that today is the day I am supposed to enjoy and delight in the Lord. I shouldn't try to produce more stuff today. I should rest and refresh my spirit, mind, and body. This is a day that I hoped for throughout all of last week. This is a day that I expected to gain rest in. Now, I must allow God's promise to be fulfilled by refraining from my own efforts. God is in total control, not me. He will keep this day holy, if I stay close to Him and depend totally on Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereignty. I thank You for Your grace and Your goodness. Lord, please forgive me. I want to honor You completely during this Holy day. I love You and I depend on You for everything, Lord. May I refrain at all times from taking matters into my own hands. You are in control. Please refresh me and renew me. I am Yours. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.