The Rhythm of Rest (Selah Part 2)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 7:6–8 (ESV)
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession... It was not because you were more in number... but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers...”
Why We Rest
As a church community, we’ve sensed a strong invitation from God into a season of intentional rest—a summer to slow down and reconnect deeply with Him. Not a rest marked by inactivity or distraction, but one grounded in worship, the Word, and reflection. This is the heartbeat of our summer series: Selah—a sacred pause.
We’re using an acronym—R.E.S.T.—to help guide our journey:
Remember
Exalt
Surrender
Trust
This post focuses on the first step: Remember.
Memory Is a Muscle
Our culture often treats rest as downtime to “veg out”—binge-watching shows or checking out with entertainment. But biblical rest invites us to engage our hearts and minds. It’s about recalling who God is and what He has done.
Science even supports the idea that memory is a muscle. The more we practice remembering, the stronger it gets. And God, our Creator, knows this. That’s why Scripture so often urges us: Remember the Lord your God.
Point 1: Remember Who You Are
Deuteronomy 7 reminds us that the people of Israel were chosen—not because of their size or strength, but because God loved them. They were His treasured possession. And through Jesus, that identity now belongs to us.
In Christ, we are no longer sinners trying to earn God’s approval—we are saints who occasionally sin, but who stand justified, beloved, and chosen.
Let these truths sink in:
You are a child of God. (John 1:12)
You are chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
You are a member of a royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
You are a minister of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18)
When we forget who we are, we forget our mission. But remembering our identity strengthens us to bring reconciliation to the world around us.
Point 2: Collect Your Stones
In Joshua 4, God tells the Israelites to take stones from the middle of the Jordan River and build a memorial. These stones would remind future generations of God’s faithfulness in parting the waters.
We need those “stones” too—physical reminders of God’s voice, His promises, and His presence in our lives. Maybe for you it’s a journal entry, a Scripture verse, or a note tucked in your Bible. Whatever it is, collect your stones.
Because the enemy’s oldest lie still works today: “Did God really say…?” When the storms come, when doubt creeps in, you can look back and say, “Yes, He did.”
Point 3: Practice the Sabbath
The Sabbath isn’t outdated or irrelevant. Hebrews 4 calls us to strive to enter God’s rest—a rest that still stands for the people of God. Sabbath is a weekly rhythm of remembering: God is our source, not our striving.
Practicing Sabbath doesn’t need to be complicated. For one family, it starts with a Friday night meal, blessing each child, taking communion together, and sharing what they’re thankful for. It’s about setting aside intentional time to remember God’s goodness and enter into His rest.
Start simple. The point isn’t performance—it’s presence.
Building a Life on Remembrance
This summer, we’re laying a foundation for lasting rest by remembering who God is and who we are in Him. We’re building habits of worship, stillness, and reflection—stones of remembrance we can carry for a lifetime.
You might begin with a sticky note or a journal entry. You might start a Sabbath meal or take communion with your family. Whatever you choose, let it become a moment that roots you in the truth of God’s faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
What part of your identity in Christ do you most often forget, and how can you practice remembering it this week?
What “stones” of remembrance has God given you in past seasons? Are they visible in your life today?
How might you begin practicing Sabbath in a simple, consistent way this summer?