Resting Day: An Appointment with the King

When was the last time you made an appointment with Jesus that wasn't about work? In a world that glorifies "the hustle," we often forget that rest is not just a suggestion—it is a command and a gift. This blog explores the transition from a religious Sabbath to a personal "Resting Day," challenging us to offer our time as an alabaster box of worship to the One who rescued us.

C. Atkinson

8/7/20242 min read

person sitting on wood fence facing mountain under cloudy sky

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.” — Exodus 20:8-10

May the Lord bless you, my sisters and brothers in Christ! It is a profound blessing to stand firm in the liberty of Jesus, knowing He has set us free. As joint heirs to His kingdom, we are invited to experience His glory—but often, we are too busy to truly see it.

Recently, while meditating on the Word, I heard a phrase in my spirit that stopped me in my tracks: "Resting Day."

The Lord began to ask me a heart-piercing question: “When was the last time you took one of the seven days I created just to abide in Me?” I realized that I made daily appointments for my personal agenda, my job, and my social life, but I had neglected to make a "special appointment" with Jesus.

Beyond the Sunday Service

I am not just talking about attending a Sunday service, a prayer meeting, or a mid-week Bible study. I am talking about a "date" with the Savior.

A Resting Day is a day set apart to honor Him with raw gratitude. It is a day to pour out our hearts like the woman with the alabaster jar (Luke 7:37). She didn't come with a quick prayer; she came with her most expensive sacrifice, ignoring the critics to anoint the feet of Christ. Our time and our undivided attention are our "expensive perfume." Sometimes, the Lord just wants us to be still long enough to hear His soft, tender voice confirming His sovereign love over us.

A Covenant of the Heart

In Exodus 20, God reminds us that He is the one who rescued us from the land of Egypt—the place of our slavery. We are no longer slaves to sin or to the crushing weight of "doing." We are children of God.

The Ten Commandments were not given to burden us, but to protect us and keep us from the paths that lead to death. But God wanted more than just outward obedience; He promised a transformation: “I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you...” (Ezekiel 36:26-27). A Resting Day is the perfect time for that spiritual heart surgery to take place.

Checking Your Calendar

The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). If we truly reverence Him, we will respect the rhythm of rest He established at Creation.

This week, I encourage you to sit before the Lord with your calendar open. Ask Him: “Jesus, what day would You like me to give unto You as a Resting Day?” Let Him provide the date, the time, and the place. He is deserving of all our time and our highest praise.

Our Prayer

Abba Father, we repent for the times we have rushed past Your presence. Forgive us for neglecting the rest You commanded for our own good. Wash us, purify our hearts, and purge out anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of You. We ask for a deeper revelation of Your Word so that we may honor You in Spirit and in Truth. Give us the wisdom to sit at Your feet and the strength to be still. In Jesus’ name, Amen.