I think it’s been years since I felt rested. Not “got enough sleep” rested, but truly refreshed. How long has it been for you?
I’m doing a study on Sabbath these days with a couple of friends and while we’ve really just started it, it’s one of those bowl-you-over truth bombs when you let the reality of what Sabbath is -- and can be -- sink in. How often do we say or think, “Man, I wish I could just relax and recharge.” Or “I’m more tired from my weekend than my week!” What if, instead, we formed a new rhythm, a new pattern, a new discipline that built in a retreat from the worldliness and gave us back the gift of Sabbath?
How did we, as humans, end up in this western postmodern world where busyness is the goal and rest is viewed as weak? As John Mark Comer, the pastor whose Sabbath series we’re following, said, he used to hear, “Well, the Devil never takes a day off!” to which he replied, “Yeah, but he loses!” Ooof. That one hit me. Why do I run after what the loser is doing? Since I seem to have forgotten, we are to be in this world but not of it.
Want to be a world-changer? Start taking a Sabbath. Each week.
Yeah, it’s not easy, but to quote Comer again, Sabbath is how we practice God’s sovereignty. It’s an act of faith to trust that God not only controls things, but improves us when we take a day of rest and worship.
Historically I have tended to think of Sabbath as a do-nothing-other-than-church day. But if 2020 has taught us anything, sitting around alone with nothing to do and nowhere to go hasn’t equaled rest for much of the world, so clearly Sabbath doesn’t mean “do nothing day.” On the flip-side, scaling back on activities and increasing time together as a family this year hasn’t seemed to re-energize me, so just stopping busyness doesn’t equal Sabbath either. Playing a game of pick-up basketball might be a way for some to enjoy God. Going for a walk on a nature trail, painting, practicing an instrument or trying a new recipe – all of these are small examples of different ways we enjoy God’s gifts. And obviously, children still need to be taken care of and other responsibilities don’t disappear, so a day of inaction may not be what really brings rest.
So what is Sabbath rest and how do we get there? Well, I honestly would just invite you to do the Practice of Sabbath study I’m doing because I’m no expert, and I’m currently walking through these ideas myself.
But here are some initial truths about Sabbath I can highlight:
We were created to function best in rhythm. God rested and created the Sabbath and we were created in his image. We are, in fact, reflecting our God-likeness when we take a Sabbath day.
God blessed it and gave it to us as a gift. WHY do I run away from it? Why do I lack the faith to trust that God’s design is good?
Sabbath doesn’t equal inaction. In fact, it requires more. Preparing for a Sabbath day requires planning and effort. Doing Sabbath often includes activity, not just sleeping on the sofa all day. (Note: I said all day. I’m pro-nap!)
So how do we do Sabbath? This is the gray area, but what I’m learning so far is that it’s primarily two things: Worship and Enjoying God. This is what brings us restoration. So think about what preparation you’d need to do to make the most of Sabbath – Comer’s suggestions include: it might mean cooking meals ahead of time that you can just heat up. Planning games or movie night with the family so that all decisions and expectations are set in advance of the day. Taking care of all chores and homework before the Sabbath so that you can be free to enjoy other things. Prioritizing worship with other believers. Enjoying your favorite drink in your favorite cup – whatever small or big things you and God work out to equal worship and enjoying him on that day.
These are just a few of my initial ruminations as I enter this Sabbath study. Will you or do you Sabbath -- not to add another “to-do” to your week, but to actually decrease the stress and pressure?
One final note – If we truly set aside a day each week to free ourselves from the burdens of the rest of the week to make room for some God-filled enjoyment, how might that change our perspective, our relationships, our productivity at work, or our capacity for kindness and goodness?
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Originally from Georgia, Mary Beth Gombita is a lover of sweet tea, a proud Georgia Bulldog and an avid music fan. She works in public relations, running her own communications consulting business from home. Mary Beth and her husband, Stephen, have two sons who are both toddlers. She is currently the editor of our Willowdale Women blogs.
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