As April came to a close, we finished up with a few more days in “Awaken” by Priscilla Shirer. It’s hard to believe an entire challenge month has passed and it was, in fact, a challenge. Having these mornings with this devotional book has surely brought a month of encouragement and focus.
“They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.” (Exodus 16:29, NLT)
The topic for discussion: Sabbath. In particular, Sabbath rest.
Funny to think about during this time. We are supposed to be staying home. Yet so many are saying they are busier than ever before. Between working from home, helping children with school work and then Zoom meetings, they are feeling the stress of being on overload.
Sabbath rest – time away from commitments and work – is a gift from God. We need to step away from the demands that are placed on us all day long, every week.
“Sabbath is not about resting perfectly, but resting in the One who is perfect.” (Shelley Miller, Sabbath Rest)
“When we rest, we trust that God holds everything together.”
(Margaret Feinberg)
The study asks: What would “Sabbath margin” look like in your calendar? In your children’s calendar? In your living space? In your work space?
“Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise.” (1 Kings 8:56)
May we make time to rest in His gift!
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“So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”
(I Thessalonians 2:8-9, NKJV)
We want to be like Paul – all in. No matter the cost. Not only to Jesus and to the Church, but to people.
Affectionately. Longingly. Imparting. Giving. Sharing. Gentle. Undemanding.
These are the words implied in these verses. This is the way to connect with those around us. It is the way to impart the Gospel with sincerity and depth.
God has placed people in our lives in whom we are to invest in, to give ourselves fully.
“We want to be the kinds of women and men who encourage fuller, deeper, healthier, more bountiful results in every relationship and encounter and effort that is entrusted to us.” (Awaken, page 116)
It is how we will make the Lord known wherever we go.
What are the relationships and endeavors that the Lord is asking you to fully invest in?
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Sabbath resting in the Lord,
is how we give ourselves fully to the Lord,
enabling us to better invest in the lives of others.
Today I am joining …
Yes, I’m finding that life is busy, even if we’re occupied in different ways than usual. Sabbath is a challenging requirement, but then, God knew we needed it, so his love is written all over the commandment.
I don’t know why I find it so difficult to allow myself to rest. Thank you for these words about Sabbath. It is God’s gift to us. We should cherish it in the way He intended.
Joanne, what great thoughts here. This quote: “Sabbath is not about resting perfectly, but resting in the One who is perfect.”
It made me think! Resting in the One who is perfect. I needed this reminder. I can get caught up in “doing Sabbath right,” and I forget the whys and grace God offers for having times of rest. I’m meditating on all of this. 🙂
I love the topic of Sabbath. What a life-giving rhythm that was created by God because He knew we would need to slow down and rest. In His infinite wisdom, He knew we needed a balance between work and rest. I have kept a Sabbath more intentionally prior to becoming a mom this past fall, and now I am trying to figure out how to return to keeping it with the busyness of being a stay-at-home mom. I am adding moments of solitude and prayer throughout the week, but I really am struggling to have a full day (I prefer Sundays) to stay away from my to-do list. I recently read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer and I have been mulling about this since. My heart and mind are so refreshed when I make it happen but I have not been able to make it a routine rhythm since the weekend ends up being catch-up from what spills over from a busy week.