Sabbath Rest
Published January 21, 2026
Exodus 23
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | Brittany Everett
Are you someone who struggles to take a day of rest? Always working from a never-ending list? That’s me. Even when my list is finished, I tend to create a new one. Lately, the Lord has been teaching me what it truly means to rest—to be still, to quiet my mind, and to trust that He is in control.
As I read through Exodus 23, I’m reminded that the Sabbath was intended for everyone (Mark 2:27). In the same way, the rest fulfilled in Jesus is offered to all people (2 Peter 3:9), and even to all creation (Romans 8:21). The Sabbath was meant to be a day set apart for the Lord—not for false gods or misplaced priorities.
While praying about what it means to rest in Him, I was drawn to Deuteronomy 5:12–15. There, we are reminded to reflect on what the Lord has brought us out of—not only in our own lives, but throughout history. God calls us to remember His faithfulness, to read His Word, and to give thanks even in our struggles, trusting that He is using them to shape us (Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6–8). This way of thinking runs counter to our culture, but when we remove ourselves from the center and place Him there, everything changes.
That was my “lightbulb” moment. When I focus on Him,
As we seek to be His hands and feet, may we remember Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
As I read through Exodus 23, I’m reminded that the Sabbath was intended for everyone (Mark 2:27). In the same way, the rest fulfilled in Jesus is offered to all people (2 Peter 3:9), and even to all creation (Romans 8:21). The Sabbath was meant to be a day set apart for the Lord—not for false gods or misplaced priorities.
While praying about what it means to rest in Him, I was drawn to Deuteronomy 5:12–15. There, we are reminded to reflect on what the Lord has brought us out of—not only in our own lives, but throughout history. God calls us to remember His faithfulness, to read His Word, and to give thanks even in our struggles, trusting that He is using them to shape us (Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6–8). This way of thinking runs counter to our culture, but when we remove ourselves from the center and place Him there, everything changes.
That was my “lightbulb” moment. When I focus on Him,
I’m able to truly rest—
reflecting, praising,
and discerning what He is calling me to do.
Rest helps ensure that I’m not missing His direction because I’m too focused on my own plans.
Resting in Him also leads us to give God our first and best, not our leftovers. God desires wholehearted devotion. When we honor Him with our firstfruits, we acknowledge Him as the faithful Provider of all things. It is in this posture of rest and trust that He gives clarity and direction.
Resting in Him also leads us to give God our first and best, not our leftovers. God desires wholehearted devotion. When we honor Him with our firstfruits, we acknowledge Him as the faithful Provider of all things. It is in this posture of rest and trust that He gives clarity and direction.
As we seek to be His hands and feet, may we remember Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).