What does Sabbath Rest look like in the 21st century?
It has a lot to do with honor. Four things come to mind. Two today. Two later this week.
#1 Honor the Sabbath
If God says I can accomplish my work in six days, who am I to say I can’t?
- Learn to honor the work that gets done each week and trust God with all that didn’t. We rest because he “says so,” not because our work is complete.
- The Sabbath is designed to be anticipated. The day before our Sabbath is an important day. It takes forethought. It demands discernment between tasks that are a must do and tasks that are a like to do. When our Sabbath Rest is upon us, we have an opportunity to lay down what did not get done and lift up (as a gift of thanksgiving) what did. This moment of surrender unlocks the door for me to be refreshed by the rest God has waiting for me to enjoy.
- As we begin to explore Sabbath Keeping through a biblical world view, 24 hours may feel unrealistic. Some of us are familiar with rest. Some of us have forgotten what it’s like. If you are new to rest, go easy on yourself. Committing to “shorter blocks” of time may allow you to keep the momentum going without becoming discouraged and throwing in the towel. I don’t know what God would say about this, but “shorter blocks” was a plan that worked for me. I took baby steps before being able to fully embrace the gift full-tilt.
Rest is not an all or nothing deal.
Rest is blessed, no matter the amount.
This week, when will your Sabbath Rest take place? Can you set aside 24 hours, 8 hours, 2 hours?
However you begin, begin. That’s the key. Then savor it—guilt-free.
#2 Honor it’s Maker
Recognize that the Sabbath is a day made by God, for God and given to us as a means to remember who he is and who we are. It is a day with a singular purpose – to rest well in the company of God so that we are recharged, refreshed and refueled for the week ahead (Exodus 23:12).
Leviticus 23:1-3 reminds us that group worship is a part of Sabbath Keeping, but it’s not the only ingredient God uses to refresh our souls.
How are you best refreshed by God?
Do you know?
Feel free to think inside the box.
Is it personal quiet time? Large group worship? Quiet walks? In depth Bible study? Music? Praying with a friend?
Feel free to think outside the box.
What might that be?
Dancing? Rock climbing? Singing? Canoeing? Drawing? Fishing? Kite flying? An extended time of prayer?
The sky is the limit.
And so are the blessings of meeting with God on our day set apart for him.
Is This Your First Time Here?
Welcome!
Run hard. Rest well. launched in March 2013. We’d like to invite you to subscribe to this weekly blog. The information to do so is located on the right hand side of this page. I’d also like to encourage you to read the first 7 posts on the right hand side. Start with Week 1. Each post is numbered and lays an important foundational insight into the life-giving rhythm Run hard. Rest well.
God’s richest blessings.
Brenda
I have learned that rest can be avoided and minimized, but the price will be very high. I much more appreciate that we were created to rest as the starting point for work and service. Our culture thinks the opposite. You have to earn rest. That is poor theology.
Yes!
Adam and Eve’s first full day of life was spent at rest. From there, from that place of rest — they moved into their work in the garden. I love this truth. It transforms our work and our rest. Onward dear brother!
Brenda
I have been a Sabbath-keeper for a couple decades now but am in a personal state of flux reflecting a change of season in my life, the substitute of service for worship and the resulting fatigue and discouragement. Your thoughts remind me of why I welcomed the practice of Sabbath so long ago. Thank you for that. But you also encourage me to think more specifically in and out of the box about what makes the Sabbath a sabbath for me. I know God will continue blessing as I follow your thoughts on this subject. Blessings.
Hi — I read your note with great joy. Quiet. Reassuring. There is a great need in the family of God to encourage and cheer each other on. You cheer me on. Thank you. What started your Sabbath-Keeping journey? There are few I know who have embraced it for decades. I would love to hear the story. May Sabbath delight be ours this week!
Brenda