Sabbath Rest: Why This Biblical Practice Still Matters
Sabbath rest…who has time for that? A neglected invitation
The Bible tells us God rested, and we should too. It is called Sabbath.
That is nice, we yawn. Yet too frequently we discount those antiquated ideas as irrelevant, impossible, idealistic.
We mow the lawn (it might be our “only” time possible), we make a huge dinner and are too tired to enjoy it, we just plan one more meeting… the agenda doesn’t matter.
It is understood that our valuable time is too limited to embrace this crazy idea of rest.
God might have commanded rest; but we wonder indignantly, Who will do all this if not me…and when?
“The world and the devil would have us work even while we rest. But Jesus would have us rest even while we work.”- desiringGod
What does God mean by Sabbath rest?
We are instructed to rest, one day a week. Like the Wizard of Oz, I bluster & bellow how I’m too important to be bothered. Too busy to rest.
I am the Mom behind the curtain. Please, come pull it back and see me.
When you do, I will be startled and remember. I will whisper the truth…rest is not really the option.
We flatter ourselves to say otherwise.
“Sabbath is not dependent upon our readiness to stop. We do not stop when we are finished…Sabbath requires surrender.” – Wayne Muller
For almost a year I have been reading a book by Wayne Muller, Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, And Delight In Our Busy Lives.
I am only halfway done. The ideas are requiring me to challenge most ideas I have had about rest.
Taking a Sabbath is an invitation, versus a requirement.
Why is Sabbath called the day of rest?
There is no demand here, it is a gentle pleading.
Sabbath is a gift of restoration, not another rule to keep. It is God’s way to keep us sane and healthy. Reminded of who is really in charge.
“A life built upon Sabbath is contented because in rhythms of rest we discover our time is full of the holiness of God.”― Shelly Miller, Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World
Take advantage of this opportunity. When you have a consistent spot in your schedule, guard it carefully.
Don’t listen when your brain yells, DON’T STOP! EVERYTHING WILL FALL APART WITHOUT YOU! (P.S. if Sundays are truly impossible, choose another time and stick with it).
I can attest to one thing…the more I learn about it, the more I kick myself for not embracing it sooner.
Real rest feels like every cell is thanking you for taking care of you. It’s calm, not full of checklists and chores. It’s simple: not multitasking; not fixing broken things.” — Jennifer Williamson
Sabbath rest is an invitation you’ll want to accept
I challenge you to join me, appreciate the Sabbath and learn to rest. There is a curve, but happy is the heart that gives in to surrender and rests.
“When we breathe, we do not stop inhaling because we have taken in all the oxygen we will ever need, but because we have all the oxygen we need for this breath.”- Wayne Muller
“Sabbath, like the breath, allows us to imagine we have done enough work for this day. Do not be anxious about tomorrow, Jesus said again and again. Let the work of this day be sufficient.”- Wayne Muller
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