Daily Devotional - Growing In Grace - Week 17 - Day 113 - 4/23/26 - "Rest is a Command, Not a Suggestion"

Author: Evangelist Crystal Poston

“Rest is a Command, Not a Suggestion”
Scripture: Exodus 34:21

“Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.”

Devotion:
God commands His people to rest, not only during calm seasons, but even during the busiest and most critical times like planting and harvest.  This may sound odd to us because we feel that we must work during those critical times to avoid lack.  We all know people who will voluntarily work 7 days a week because the extra hustle will help to provide for their families.  However, God intentionally commands that we rest on the Sabbath to teach a deeper truth, that our provision does not come from endless labor, but from His faithfulness.

Resting is an act of trusting God. It helps us to develop a closer relationship with Him. And when we take that rest, especially when life feels demanding, we declare that God is in control. We act on faith, trusting that God will provide what we cannot.

Resting the way God commands is not being lazy; it is being obedient! Jesus even went to quiet places to avoid the crowds, not because He was lazy, but because He was aligned with the Father. Rest kept Him grounded, focused, and obedient.

Let’s be reminded today to rest, knowing that God will provide, God will sustain, and God will finish what He started.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for caring about every part of my life, even when I need to rest. You know when I have reached my limit, and You lovingly call me to rest and trust You. Forgive me for the times when I’ve relied on my own strength and got burnt out because I did not pause. Help me to see rest as an act of faith, not weakness, and to have confidence, knowing that You are working on my behalf. In Jesus’ name, Amen.