07/08/2025
DAY 7
"7-Day Daniel Fast"
(August 2-8, 2025)
REST IN THE LORD
(A bit long but very essential)
While many of us can feel that needing to rest is a sign of weakness or laziness, GOD offers rest as a blessing to those who trust Him fully, to trust in GOD for peace and rejuvenation.
* GOD DESIGNED A RHYTHM OF REST *
We were never designed to work seven days a week.
From the beginning of the creation story, GOD put a rhythm of work and rest in place.
GOD designed us to work for six days and then to stop and rest from our work on the seventh day of each week.
Genesis 2: 2-3
2. And on the seventh day GOD ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3. And GOD blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which GOD created and made.
2 Chronicles 32: 8
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our GOD to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people RESTED themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Exodus 12: 16
And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work (REST) shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
Exodus 20: 10
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work (REST), thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exodus 20: 11
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Isaiah 30: 15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.'”
- True rest is found in GOD alone; it brings peace and salvation.
- Psalm 62: 1, Matthew 11: 28, and Psalm 23: 2
- The Sabbath is a divine command for rest and worship, emphasizing its importance in GOD’s design for humanity - Exodus 20: 8-10 and Mark 2: 27.
- Physical and spiritual rest are vital
- Psalm 127: 2, Proverbs 3: 24,
Isaiah 30: 15, and Jeremiah 6: 16
- Rest in GOD’s promises includes eternal rest and relief from anxiety and striving
- Revelation 14: 13, Philippians 4: 6-7, and Isaiah 26: 3.
Psalm 62: 1
“Truly my soul finds rest in GOD; my salvation comes from him.”
Exodus 33: 14
“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you REST.'”
GOD shows us that taking a day off work to rest and refresh our souls is his design and plan for us.
Taking a day off work to rest is one of the 10 Commandments.
GOD wants us to stop our endless striving for productivity and achievement and trust in Him fully. Rest is an act of faith. Rest is a gift and blessing from GOD.
But rest is difficult to achieve in our modern world, full of distractions and expectations. We are expected to answer emails from work on any day at any time.
The shops are open and calling us to retail therapy. Our lives are full and busy, and it seems there is more to do than what we can fit into seven days, let alone just six.
- This is one reason why so many struggle with stress and burnout.
We are overwhelmed with worry and anxiety.
Our relationships, mental and physical health are suffering because our lives are out of balance. We have forgotten how to rest.
Exodus 16: 30
So the people rested on the seventh day.
Hebrews 4: 9-10
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of GOD; for anyone who enters GOD’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
Rest isn’t lazy—it’s holy. Jesus rested, and He invites me to do the same.
Sabbath isn’t a burden, it’s a blessing. Rest is an act of faith and trust in GOD’s provision.
Rest isn’t just about gaining our strength, but it’s also about trust.
By allowing ourselves to REST, we demonstrate the belief that GOD will provide for the details of our lives, and we don’t have to strive in every waking moment.
And as you meditate on GOD’s gift of rest, I hope you are able to find ways to protect the time you need to refresh your soul in the presence of your Savior
Hoping in the LORD brings renewal and strength. Find rest and strength in GOD’s promises, enabling us to persevere without growing weary.
Jesus cut through all those rules and became our Sabbath rest. We enter into true rest when we enter into Christ. He satisfies the requirements of the law.
He reconciles us to GOD so that we’re no longer striving to make peace there. He deposits the Holy Spirit inside of us so that we can know the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4: 7).
Matthew 11: 29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
- PRAY for GOD's people to enter His rest and cease from striving.
🙏🔥🙏
