Sabbath rest…who has time for that? A neglected invitation
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.”― 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
Want to learn more? Check out “why keeping the Sabbath is still relevant to Christians today” from BibleProject!
Learn more about Sabbath rest:
- Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives
- Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life. Return to Sabbath
- Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World
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Christa,
Rest is so hard for some people. This is a good post. God himself rested to give us that example. He didn’t rest because he needed rest, but because he knew we did. Today I am going to rest inside myself. To take a tranquility break and let my mind just pause. I need it. Thanks.
Christa, what an awesome post! It’s beautifully written and a great topic. God has been talking to me for almost a year about rest and what it is. Do you know God tells us in Hebrews that we should strive to enter into His rest? It’s the only thing He tells us to strive to do. I was given a book called For God’s Sake, Rest! by James L. Anderson. What an eye opener! He’s a Pastor and talks openly about his struggle to rest and how important it is to God. Thanks for sharing another book on the subject, I’ll have to read that one as well.
Amen! And I wonder too-what about mental rest? I find that when I’m not physically busy I switch to mentally busy. I may seem to be innocently watching TV but am ruminating over something or other. I am actually a great rester but I could definitely incorporate some mental rest as well. Maybe that’s called meditation?
God sure knows what we need, huh? And rest is one of His greatest gifts. Food
Sorry – hit send by accident :). Meant to say good reminder.
Sorry for not responding this week, been a bit swamped, but appreciate the comments!
I have been mulling this over a lot lately, and wondering if it is a common practice still. I honestly cannot seem to get myself to rest for a single minute! I think as moms too, we feel so much pressure to be everything. My husband often asks me to sit and watch a movie with him or just take a nap and all I can think is but WHO will do what so needs to be done! Well, I am learning that it’s always going to be there, no matter what! I really needed to read this post, I am going to have to let it sit with me for a while..
Ana, you are expressing what most moms seem to feel, for sure! It isn’t a practice I have mastered by any stretch, but the more I get used to NOT doing all the “stuff” we are responsible for, the more I want to keep that peace. I think I really used to believe my little world would crash if I dared to take too long of a break, let alone a whole afternoon
This is a great article, and something I struggle with every week. Thanks for sharing! Also, I loved the quotes by Wayne Muller you included – I’m going to have to go buy that book!
Oh Lauren, many weeks I do as well. It is much easier to slip out of the habit, than in. So worth it though. Sweet peace to you…