“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:3 (NIV)

Sometimes I’ve struggled mightily with the “Sunday Scaries” — anxiety about the coming week’s workload. I’ve wondered about a challenge facing my kid, how a certain conversation at work will go, or if that bill will get paid on time.

Growing up, I was taught to stop work on Sunday as the Sabbath day because God rested after creating the world for six days (Exodus 20:8-11). But even when I spent the day relaxing, the Sunday Scaries found me at night. I wondered if I was honoring the Sabbath correctly.

Through Bible study, I discovered my Sunday habits came from a modern reading of this sacred, ancient book. God's people who lived in Old Testament times understood the command to honor God’s Sabbath differently than we do today. In their culture, rest represented the posture of ruling and reigning. Ancient Israel would have envisioned God seated on His throne, actively taking charge of His newly created world, on the first Sabbath (Psalm 132:14).

When God rested on the seventh day, He wasn’t sitting down like a laborer weary from the workweek. Instead, He was positioned as a King ready to reign. He created for six days and made good things because He is good. Then He sat enthroned over creation, declaring it complete and perfect:

“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:3).

Genesis 2:3 isn’t about exhaustion or napping; it communicates that a good and trustworthy God is in control. He’s got this.

The ancient Israelites would say we rest because God sits on His throne and reigns over His creation. Sabbath, then, is about honoring God’s reign. Once a week, our souls specially rest in the acknowledgment that God is in charge. We remember He’s a good Creator who invented the concept of thriving. Our souls lead the charge for rest, insisting on finding peace in God’s trustworthy rule, and then our bodies and minds follow.

For years, I thought Sabbath meant that if I rested, I could handle my week better. I thought, Well, if God needed a break, surely I do too. I was trying to keep the Sabbath by mimicking God. Unfortunately, I was focused on my kingdom and my upcoming week, resting in preparation to run my show.

But if we only focus on ceasing our work, chasing our rules and checking our boxes, our souls will remain exhausted by our worries — and the Sunday Scaries will still have their way.

The gift of Sabbath is found when we reorient ourselves toward God, rededicate our trust in Him, and reflect on His trustworthiness.

Where are you struggling to trust in God’s goodness? Let’s embrace the privilege of honoring His reign. Then we can rest assured that, yes, He’s still got this.

Lord, we see the goodness of Your beautiful creation and know it reflects Your good character. We’re grateful You’re in charge and ruling. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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In Rachel Booth Smith’s new book, Rest Assured: What the Creation Story Was Intended to Reveal about Trusting God, she becomes a holy eavesdropper leaning over ancient shoulders, listening as God revealed Himself to Israel. As we anchor ourselves in His character, we find a rest that grounds us when we face the daily crises of life, big and small. Get your copy today!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 132:14, “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it” (NIV).

What’s one big thing you’re preoccupied with or worried about? Try to spend the upcoming Sabbath offering it to God every time it pops into your head. You can visualize placing it at God’s throne, or maybe look at a mighty tree or a vivid sunrise — God’s creation — as a reminder to surrender. Remember: Our good God is ruling, and He’s got this.

We’d love to know your thoughts — share with us in the comments!

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