Sabbath on M-F?
A Green Letter (Do-It) Devotional
"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." – Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)
"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from His." – Hebrews 4:9–10 (ESV)
As an entrepreneur or business leader, how often do you tell yourself, “I just need a day off”? The world sells us the idea that rest is something we earn after we’ve worked ourselves to exhaustion. But in reality, no amount of vacations or weekends off can remove the weight of stress, pressure, and responsibility.
Jesus offers a different kind of rest—one that isn’t just about stopping work, but about living from a place of trust in Him. In Matthew 11:28–30, He calls the weary to Himself, not to a system of rules, but to a relationship. He invites us to trade in the heavy burdens of performance, self-reliance, and anxiety for His yoke—one of grace, wisdom, and peace.
D. A. Carson explains this shift, saying, “The Sabbath was but a shadow of the rest to come; the weekly day of rest, enjoined in the Decalogue, pointed beyond itself to a more profound rest that God had in store for His people”(From Sabbath to Lord’s Day). The true rest isn’t in a specific day, but in Christ Himself.
Hebrews 4 deepens this understanding by reminding us that God’s rest remains available today. Many business owners and leaders fall into the trap of thinking that rest comes only after achieving success, financial security, or the right systems in place.
But Hebrews challenges us:
Are we resting in God’s provision, or in our own efforts?
Are we trusting Him with our work, or striving under the weight of self-sufficiency?
Are we constantly laboring to prove ourselves, or do we believe Christ’s work is enough?
Carson puts it this way: “Rest is not merely the absence of work, but the presence of trust.” True Sabbath rest doesn’t mean we stop working altogether—it means we stop trying to earn what only God can give.
When we operate from God’s rest, our work is transformed:
Decisions come from faith, not fear.
We work with purpose, not pressure.
We delegate with trust, not control.
We prioritize what truly matters, not just what’s urgent.
Entering God’s Rest in Business
Start your day with rest, not rush. Before opening emails or diving into tasks, spend time with God. Let His rest shape your mindset before work begins.
Practice a rhythm of trust. Are you making decisions from stress or from a place of peace? Surrender your business to God daily.
Redefine success. Shift your measure of success from productivity to faithfulness. Work diligently, but leave the results to God.
Schedule intentional breaks. Not just for physical rest, but for spiritual renewal—time to reflect, pray, and refocus on why you do what you do.
Jesus’ invitation is clear: “Come to Me... and I will give you rest.” This rest isn’t a one-day-a-week break—it’s a way of life. Enter His rest today, and let it transform the way you work, lead, and live.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the invitation to find true rest in You. In a world that glorifies busyness and self-reliance, remind me that my worth is not in my work, but in Your grace. I confess that I often strive in my own strength, carrying burdens that You never intended for me to bear. Today, I lay them at Your feet.
Teach me to work from a place of rest, trusting in Your provision and the potential you’ve given me rather than my performance. Help me to recognize that real success is found not in achievements, but in faithfulness to You. When I am anxious about my business, my responsibilities, or the future, quiet my soul with Your presence. Let me take on Your yoke, which is easy, and learn from You.
May my work be an act of worship, guided by Your wisdom and sustained by Your peace. Let my leadership reflect a trust in Your sovereignty, and may I be an example of faith to those around me.
Lord, as Hebrews reminds me, there remains a Sabbath rest for Your people. Help me to enter that rest—not just on one day, but in every moment of my life. Keep my heart anchored in You, and let my labor be done with joy, knowing that my ultimate rest is secure in Christ.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.