And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy. (Ezekiel 20:12 NLT)

Ezekiel prophesied in a day when God’s people were living in complete rebellion against God. Through Ezekiel’s words and actions God called out to His people, warning them of the self-destructive path they were on.

Amidst the warnings, God also gave Israel hope. If they would turn back to God, He would deliver them, redeem them, and restore them.

One of the areas of disobedience had to do with them not observing God’s sabbath days.

The principle of the Sabbath goes far deeper than merely not working on a particular day. In fact, if that’s our understanding of sabbath, we will see it as a burden to bear and a rule to keep.

Sabbath is both God’s gift to us, and our gift to Him.

True Sabbath is our willful pursuit to rest in and trust in God as our only Source of life.

When is the last time your SOUL was at rest? …not that all areas in your life were perfect, but that you had come to a place of quietness and stillness before God and allowed His peace to sustain and refresh you?

One of my favorite lines in one of the most popular passages of Scripture says:

He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. (Psalm 23)

You may or may not be able to take time off of work. You may or may not be able to press pause on life. But you can – and you MUST – allow the Shepherd to bring you to places of peace and rest.

Father,

Today I pray for my brothers and sisters in the faith. I pray that those reading these words will know Your presence today – that they will enter the Secret Place to know and hear Your voice.

Give them words of promise. Dispel the darkness. Infuse them with Your joy and peace. Lead them to green pastures and still waters.

Restore their souls.

In Jesus’ name, amen.