Thursday, September 26, 2024
Do you ever feel like your work is done? If you are an adult, or even a teenager, the answer is almost always: “No!” So how do we Sabbath? As we read in Scripture:
Genesis 2:2-3
2 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
Was God done with his work? No, not at all! He finished his work of creation. But then he spent thousands of years working with his creation, so we could be restored in our relationship with him. And he knew it ahead of time, literally!
How could he rest when there was still so much to do?
How can you?
Well, it takes practice and discipline. It takes an intentional decision that you make with yourself, and probably with the people in your life. It takes planning ahead and a desire to honor God by obeying his command to rest. Above all else, it takes trusting that God will supply anything that is “lost” by not working this one day. Let’s face it, there will always be more that could be done, but trusting that God will fill in what is lacking—that is where Sabbath rest begins.
These days, our 24/7 access to anything and everything makes it challenging to carve out a day of letting go. So take some practical steps in assessing your schedule. Obviously, each family will have different priorities, and there will be some FOMO (fear of missing out) in deciding to honor your Sabbath time. Maybe you won’t get it right the first try, but don’t be discouraged! God will bless your efforts.
The sooner you begin, the sooner you will reap the benefits of having a day where you disengage from the world of work and give God more access to your attention. After a while, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Questions:
Do you regularly practice a Sabbath day of rest? If so, what does it look like for you? If not, do you think you could start? When?
How will you hold yourself accountable to practice a day of Sabbath each week?
Next Steps:
I always found a large dry erase calendar helpful for my family’s scheduling. Decide what regular day you will begin to restrict outside activities to invest in your relationships with God and others. Let that day be entered into the calendar before any other events, then work other commitments around it. Some things may have to go. Don’t do it all at once, but share your commitment to this Sabbath day of rest to make it successful.
Prayer:
God in heaven, I am so grateful that you call me to remember to keep the Sabbath holy. Help me to learn not to fill my life with distractions that keep me from the relationships you gave me to bring me life and love. Help me to make you my only priority, trusting in your provision for my needs. Help me also to discern what my part is in that provision. Help me to not value things more than I value time getting to know you and your plan for my life. In your beautiful name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 3:16-17
16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
This post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.