God Design for Rest

by Pua Palakiko on February 14, 2026

SCRIPTURE:

“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places.”

Leviticus 23:3

 

OBSERVATION:

God has a design for rest! It wasn’t about just a physical rest but a spiritual delight. He commands His people to observe a day of rest and worship. This highlights the importance of spiritual renewal and trust in God’s provision rather than constant labor. It’s also a holy convocation. It is not about isolation but a communal experience. This could mean to make the gathering of saints important, aka “church.” The question to reflect on: How can you incorporate rest, worship, and trust in God into your weekly routine?

APPLICATION:

I am still trying to get this right in my life. When I know I have projects or speaking engagements ahead of me, I shorten my Sabbath or I’ll lose sleep. But God has a design for rest, not for a physical but a spiritual delight. It’s understanding what God commands it because it’s for my best. What I cannot see tomorrow, God knows today. If I take the moments to honor Him in the rest, I receive the blessing of it and so do others. 
I need to trust the design of the Sabbath in my weekly rhythm. Not wait until I’m fully exhausted but protect the Sabbath to delight spiritually in worship and rest! 
1. Sabbath is a delight in the spiritual things of God.
2. It allows me to reflect and restore my gratitude. 
3. Everyone gets to have the best of me. 

PRAYER:

Lord, forgive me when I don’t Sabbath. Lord, I am reminded today I am a fragile human being and I trust you know what is best for me. Lord, I pray work or constant activity doesn’t become my God but I keep you in that seat. Lord, I pray my future plans are predicated on rest, worship, and trusting you!  Amen 

About the Author

Pua Palakiko

Pastor Pua-kiele Palakiko has been with New Hope Oahu since 2007. In the summer of 2008 during a youth camp, God called her  into Full Time Ministry and Pua began serving as a Youth Leader in the Youth Ministry. She is now on staff as the Equipping Pastor, overseeing leaders of our  Youth + Young Adults Ministries and our Children’s Ark Ministry. She oversees our Emerge Internship and has the honor to train, build and equip future church leaders. She is also a gifted speaker and worship leader.


Pua has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries and a Master’s Degree in Formational Leadership. She is humbled and honored to have the privilege to see God's people “Discover, Develop and be Deployed in their God giving gifts.”

Name:


Previous Page

More