The Sabbathed Life
The little secret we all live with is this: the busier we are, the more important we seem to ourselves—and hopefully to others.
I know the last year or so slowed us down in many ways. But let’s say it again as we begin to ramp back up: a kind of blurred existence might give others the impression that we’re important or really dedicated or even disciplined, but the truth is, you pay a steep price.
This is why from the very beginning, God established a kind of rhythm to life. It’s why He gave us a very explicit commandment:
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
EXODUS 20:8-10
God has built a rhythm into our existence that makes sense. And I think, for all sorts of reasons, if we’re going to make the most of our vacations, our days off, our holiday breaks, our weekends, we need to figure out what this means. This is about a different way to live in the real world with real pressures and responsibilities…it is an approach that can breathe life into your weary soul.
Sabbath should be central to our existence.
It anchors our lives in a rhythm of rest.
It renews our sense of awe that God is still active in our world.
It re-connects us to friends and neighbors and community.
It is an intentional reminder of what really matters.
It’s not just saying “no” to working and busy schedules, it’s saying “yes” to Him. It’s a chance to trust that God knows best for our lives.
I do not pretend to know what your day, week, or season looks like. But this much I know:
A life that takes the Sabbath seriously. Finds rest and renewal and a resolve for the challenges ahead. The world may have our hands or the hours of our days, but our soul can belong to someone else.
The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.
LUKE 6:5
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
PSALM 34:8
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
HEBREWS 4:9-10
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
MATTHEW 11:28-30
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
EXODUS 33:14
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
PSALM 23:1-6
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
JOHN 16:33
Stand at the crossing, and consider the ancient path,
for it is good and it leads to Me.
Walk on this path, and you will find rest for your souls.
JEREMIAH 6:16
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
