God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all [his] work. . . .

— Genesis 2:3

Nick is a small-business ­owner. He runs a restaurant. He opened it a few years ago, and he is still spending countless hours improving its operations and managing the staff. “There’s only one problem,” Nick admits. “When Sunday comes, I have no time or ­energy for the church.”

We all live in a world that pushes us to run faster and work harder. How does your calendar look? Do you have time for God and for your spiritual welfare? Do you have time for your loved ones and for the ministry of your local community of faith?

In the Bible we discover the God-ordained rhythm of life. God the Creator labors for six days and rests on the seventh. We all need regular time off to rest and be spiritually recharged in God’s presence.

The concept of biblical shalom, or peace, is all-encompassing. It includes inner wholeness and tranquility. Such harmony is unattainable if we routinely ignore our spiritual and physical rest.

Sabbath can be described as God’s “reset button” for us. Resting is central to wholeness because God uses his holy day to restore our shalom. Let us not forget about our spiritual and physical rest as we search for meaning and inner peace!

Father, thank you for teaching us about the healthy patterns of work and spiritual rest. Help us to stop running so that we can take time for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.