Taking The Day Off!

Some time to break away from work or school is always nice. Time to be able to do what we choose to do rather than what we are told to do or know we have to do. That’s what days off, vacations, holidays, and weekends are for. Under the old law God had set aside the Sabbath Day as a day of rest. It’s establishment was a safeguard for Israel from becoming “workaholics” and their servants and beasts from being overused. ( Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:13-14) To cease from work and take some time for rest and reflection is important.

When we have a day off, we get to do some things we might not do on other days of the week. However, are there some things we do on the other days that we have chosen to NOT TAKE A DAY OFF FROM even on the days that are completely ours to choose what to do? Consider for a moment what you usually do when you have a day off; when you have the freedom to do whatever you want?

When I have a day off I will usually take a long walk. Sometimes I will do some work around the yard. There are times I will take a drive or just sit by the water or go somewhere with my camera to take pictures. I also enjoy spending time playing one of my violins, guitars, or hammer dulcimer. To me each of these can be mind, body, and spirit rejuvenating. However, even on a day off, my day will begin similar to all the rest. I still have my Bible time (time alone with God) scheduled into each morning. Even when we are camping, I will climb out of the tent in the morning, get the coffee started on the camp stove, and then do my reading while the coffee begins to perk.

We need to guard against a day off becoming a DAY OFF FROM GOD! After all, are we not glad God does not take A DAY OFF FROM US?

Remember when Elijah and the prophets of Baal had that great contest on Mount Carmel. ( 1 Kings 18) When Baal did not respond to the cries to answer, we read…

“And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, ‘Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is ON A JOURNEY, OR PERHAPS HE IS ASLEEP AND MUST BE AWAKENED.’” ( 1 Kings 18:27 ESV)

Praise God that is not characteristic of Him. Consider the contrast noted in one of the Psalms.

“(1) I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? (2) My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (3) He will not let your foot be moved; HE WHO KEEPS YOU WILL NOT SLUMBER. (4) Behold, he who keeps Israel WILL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP.” ( Psalm 121:1-4 ESV)

Beginning each day with prayer and Bible reading helps remind us of God’s continuing awareness of our life and that we are always living IN HIS PRESENCE. Whether it be a day we are doing what others have decided for us or what we ourselves have chosen, let us always be sure there is time with God -- time for His Word. There is no day that should be approached apart from Him.

Have a great day LIVING ON WITH GOD!
Carl

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