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Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." ~Mark 2:27
I have a question for all of you. Are you someone who is constantly on the go, or someone who intentionally moves through life at a relaxed, measured pace? Honestly, now that I'm retired, I can say the latter goal is easier for me to pursue with regularity. I couldn't say that when I was a working, single mom. During those times, I could barely take a moment to breathe let alone spend time in quiet reflection. I was the epitome of a driven and determined overachiever who could balance a job, a budget and a family life with the best of them.
At least, that's what I thought at the time.
Pastor Jared's sermon this Sunday focuses on the concept of Sabbath rest and why it's crucial for us to deliberately put aside time each week to spend with God in prayer, reflection and renewal. In a culture that worships the twin golden calves - accomplishment and accumulation - this time of rest may seem an anathema, the enemy of all we're created to be and become as a productive member of society.
But all this meaningless, endless, frenetic activity produces in the end is damage to our mental and physical health and well-being. God includes observing the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments because it is designed for our own good. After all, if the God of the Universe had to rest after He created our world, and we are made in His image, shouldn't it follow that we require that same type of rest?
Jared explains, too, that the Hebrew word for Sabbath - Shabbat - literally means to stop. But not simply are we to stop, because the word also infers that we are to delight in the stopping itself. Wow! What a relief to know that it's not only okay to run from the rat race and leave the car pool lanes behind, but also to realize that our loving Father expects us to do just that!
Maybe you have a job that requires you to work on Sundays. That's alright. You can observe your Sabbath when time allows you to. There's no right way or right day to rest in the Lord. And there isn't a magic formula or one-size-fits-all plan one has to follow.
Jared will be the first to tell you that even, and especially, as a pastor, he struggles with having that extended time to simply be still and know that God is sustaining His children with every breath we take.
So, here's the challenge: Will you take some time this week to contemplate the concept of the Sabbath and consider the ways that observing it can transform your life for the better? Or, if you already have a Sabbath routine, please share it with us in the comments.
And remember, when God created the Sabbath, He already had you on His mind.
Amen!
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That line about Shabbat meaning to "stop" and even to "delight" in the stopping really lands — such a different way to think about rest than just squeezing in downtime. Retirement clearly agrees with you, but it's a good reminder that even in the busiest seasons, that permission to pause is already built in.
ReplyDeleteThat definition of Shabbat hit me in the same way, Diana. The Sabbath isn't something to be squeezed into our busy schedule, but a time intentionally set aside for our spiritual well-being and time spent with the Lord. Yes, retirement is wonderful.
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Hi Martha! I don't have a Sabbath per se, although I do take Friday's off to do no church work (unless it is something like a wedding for funeral) and spend it with Jo. My sabbath comes when I'm working out at the Y or riding my bike. They are times when I do not think about work and my mind is elsewhere (like not getting hit by a car). But i also know there are times I need extended time away. Thanks for the lesson today.
ReplyDeleteI'm honored that you enjoyed my post today, Bill, and I so appreciate you telling us what your Sabbath looks like. It definitely is different for all of us, but it should always be a time when we draw closer to God.
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You are too young to remember the times when all shops and businesses closed on Sundays. Now it's open everywhere 24/7. I think this is partly because modern society has generally distanced itself from God. He is no longer relevant in their lives. Money is.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I do remember those days, Victor. It was particularly true in the southern US states, known as the Bible Belt, where Sundays were truly set apart from the rest of the week. Sadly, you're right about money being the motivator for ignoring God and choosing our ways above His.
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Sundays are our "quiet days." They're not entirely work-free, but we spend them quietly.
ReplyDeleteExcept for going to church, we keep a low profile on Sunday, too, Glynn.
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Martha this post was just what I was thinking on today...hubby and I are fortunate because we have had jobs that allowed us to rest on Sunday for the most part...now that he is retired it is much easier to take the day and make it a rest. Wonder if we would not all be healthier if we followed this command on what ever day we did not have to work? Thank you for your wonderful thoughts friend. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it nice to have jobs where you don't have to work on Sunday, Debbie? It does make it so much easier to set aside intentional quiet time at least one day a week. I actually try to get in more than that if at all possible.
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I aim for
ReplyDeleteRelaxed and measured, but there is always something
You are right about that, Christine - something always seems to upset that apple cart when we least expect it.
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We absolutely need to obey the Sabbath tradition, whichever day of the week that might fall upon for you. While my family enjoys our Lord's Day each week (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2), which we recognize as Sunday (the first day of the week), but as you point out, we can't always set aside that particular day. Yet, for corporate worship today, that is the day most New Testament Christians recognize. I've come to accept that observing my Sabbath is more a condition of my heart than a day of the week. God's blessings, precious friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct in your assessment of the Sabbath, J. D. It is more of a condition of our hearts than it is any specific day or time. If we're staying in tune with God through prayer and His word, we can enjoy mini-Sabbaths all week long. Great to see you back!
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Since marrying my husband, I adopted his tradition of acknowledging the biblical Sabbath that begins Friday evening. I balked at first but after nearly 25 years I come to look forward to our Sabbath. There is a song we used to sing at a synagogue we used to attend, " Shabbat Shalom" after oneg. Then we go to church on Sunday fully rested and restored.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Martha. PS - I'm praying for you!
I love that tradition that your husband and you practice, Debby! It is so deeply and spiritually meaningful as you combine both the Jewish and Christian observance in your Sabbath practice. We share such a rich heritage with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Thanks for your prayers, too!
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How thought-provoking, Martha! Like you, I once wore a variety of hats and never felt sorry for my plight. (Well, not much, haha.)
ReplyDeleteI never could have imagined that my current days -- chock full of medical appointments, tests, etc. -- would leave me desperately seeking Shabbat. Retirement comes with its own sets of 'gifts', doesn't it? Nevertheless, I'm grateful for Sundays.
Oh, yes, Myra, retirement does present its own hurdles and issues, especially when it comes to medical appointments. I just had another one today, in fact. My next one is scheduled for October 1st. I'll be sharing more down the road. ( Not all bad.)
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I remember when nothing was open on Sundays except the churches. In my little hometown, everything closed down on Wednesday evenings, too, because we had church on Wednesday evenings. It is sad that those days are long gone. It is easier to set aside time for a Sabbath when retired, I think. Good post and reminder!! xo
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about those Wednesday night closures, Terri, and I'm so pleased you brought it up here today. Growing up in the "Bible Belt" south, that was standard in our community, too. If you didn't attend church, you were considered an odd duck. It is sad to think that those days are long gone.
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Yes, even God rested on the seventh day as an example for all of us. And I think the day of the week doesn't matter, as long as it is one day a week.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you, Ginny. It shouldn't matter what day of the week it is, but resting in God is one of the best activities we could ever do.
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What a great reminder, Martha! It's so important to "be still and know." I love the idea of delighting in the stopping. Thanks for this. I needed it! Blessings, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI was enchanted by that morsel of wisdom, too, Deb! Pastor Jared is wise beyond his years and doesn't hesitate to pass this knowledge on to us. We are so grateful to have him at our small church.
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It seems that even though we are retired, we find ourselves caught up in a lot of busy-ness throughout the week, and if we aren't careful, it spills over into the weekend as well, and even our Sundays can feel overwhelming sometimes. When we were in the active ministry, there was little time for "Sabbath Rest", because the Sabbath day was our busiest day of work, with two services (morning and evening) and Sunday School too, and hubby was preaching and teaching in all of them...we were very thankful to have a day off during the week, either a Monday or a Friday, to catch our breath and not feel so driven to visit the sick and make calls, or do counseling, but even then, if something came up, we were there. Now we can pretty much pick and choose our days to be "free", and we try to allow ourselves more time to rest, and also we definitely set aside time each day to have some time in the Word and pray. Sometimes it doesn't feel like enough, but we do the best we can. Thank you for this reminder to enter into a Sabbath rest as often as we can and not neglect time alone with the Lord. That's where our strength comes from!
ReplyDeleteI certainly understand, Pamela, that with John being a pastor for those many years and you being a pastor's wife, Sundays had to be chock-full of activities with no opportunity for Sabbath rest. Yes, other days can be our time to practice that rest when Sundays can't or don't work for us. Like you, I try to set aside time each day for my Bible study and reflection; most days, I can pull it off. Honestly, I don't feel "right" when things come up suddenly that take that special time away. Thanks for sharing your experiences here.
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Martha, I have been running around, and I admit I am a runner. Rick and I just talked today that we didn't even watch our church service yet last Sunday. You have convicted me. I need to slow down and seek Jesus,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to know that this post spoke to your heart, Sandie. Yes, we all need to slow down and seek Jesus in an intentional way. Running around like chickens with our heads cut off won't get us anywhere.
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Thank you, Martha. How I wish more people would take an honest look at this issue. One of the complaints I have heard most often regarding those "rhythms" that God instructed us to include in our lives is that they don't have time for them. And for many of those who make an honest effort to set aside time for prayer, study, and those activities that support and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ, it ends up being a helter-skelter, off and on situation. Clearly, the devil is a theif. he comes to "steal, kill, and destroy." and one of the favorite targets of his devious larceny is our time. He knows quite well that to the degree he can captivate our time, he ensnares our life, our spiritual influence, and leaves disappointment and regret in their place. Obviously, its place in that very special list of commandments is an indication of how important it is to God. And, sadly, the way it's kicked from pillar to post and out the door in most of "Christian America" is an indication of how we have disregarded His opinion. I'm not advocating reinstatement of those laws we had back in VA where no stores were open on Sunday except the pharmacy and the gas stations, but it does occur to me that at least in those days, we weren't murdering over. a million babies in the wombs of their mothers every year, and people didn't have access to pornography and every aspect of human depravity imaginable in their pockets. But you don't need to hear all that, and what I really wanted to say was thank you, and God bless you. Your testimony and your admonition about remembering God's special day is sorely needed these days and Diane and I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI feel that it is sorely needed, too, Ron, especially for those of us who proclaim to be Christians. As others have mentioned here, they remember stores closing on Sunday and even Wednesday nights for mid-week church services. This might have worked for some communities, but I grew up in an area with a large Jewish population, and since their Sabbath was from Friday to Saturday evening, such rules made it difficult for them to practice their religion in the way tradition demanded of them. I'm glad there is more freedom in that sense, but sometimes, the freedoms we should cherish too easily fall by the wayside. You make some salient points, too, about the modern access we have to time-wasting activities and downright evil ones. Yes, the devil loves to distract us from God's truth at every turn. Let us take a stand for Jesus!
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I really enjoyed this
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your valued input, Jo-Anne. I do hope this encourages you to seek a deeper walk with Jesus.
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I don't set aside one day for Sabbath rest. I set aside every morning, spending quiet time alone with our Beloved for hours on end. In fact, being the Mary that I am, I could spend all day in my sanctuary. For years, my spiritual practice has been contemplation in silence in my room. I sit by an open window, and listen to birdsong outside. I listen for spiritual direction from the Holy Spirit. And he leads the way from there. It feels like my natural habitat, silence and prayer.
ReplyDeleteThen I have to walk downstairs and try to get in touch with my inner Martha! I'm always mindful that I'm not naturally a Martha - I used to be more of a Martha in my younger days. But then the kids grew up and moved away. So, when I go about my day I follow Brother Lawrence's Practice of the Presence of God. I hope I don't sound like a super saint - ha! But that's my Sabbath rest. Christ himself is our Sabbath rest.
Thank you for this lovely reflection, Martha. You always inspire and get me going!
Shalom, Shalom!
Christ alone is our Sabbath rest, Debra. I cannot begin to thank you enough for sharing your practice of Sabbath rest in such great detail here not just for me, but for all who visit this site. We can, and need, to learn from one another when it comes to spending time with our loving Father who renews, redeems, and always keeps His promises. I am humbled beyond words that this post inspired you, my friend.
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I am so thankful for the physical rest God gives us, but also for the spiritual "rest that remains to the people of God who have ceased from their own works as God did from His." That deep soul rest that the Lord of the Sabbath gives to those who are fully surrendered to Him, and the deep settled peace that comes from dwelling in the secret place of the Lord most high. I pray you and Danny are doing well!
ReplyDeleteBoth of these types of rest are so necessary to our physical and spiritual health, Cheryl. May we all surrender to the Lord that we might enjoy that profound peace and Sabbath rest only He can provide.
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Such a timely reminder, Martha. I love the thought that God not only calls us to stop, but to delight in the stopping. It makes rest feel sacred instead of wasted. Thank you for pointing me back to the beauty of Sabbath rest. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI love what you said here, Veronica - "It makes rest feel sacred instead of wasted." So very true! May you find that meaningful rest in the Lord always.
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Sunday afternoon after church is usually my quiet time. The importance of Sabbath rest is so easily overlooked.
DeleteYes, it is too easy to overlook, Diana, I agree. Let's change that for the betterment of our peace of mind.
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Beautiful and much needed post, Yvonne. So true how our lives are often going at breakneck speed. I can't hear from the Lord of the Sabbath and worship Him wholeheartedly until I first drown out the noisy world around me. I pray to rest in Him. God bless!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Karen! We can't hear God's still small voice until we shut out the noises of the world around us. Not easy to do at times, but so very necessary.
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Great post and reminder, Martha. We need to always have time when we can worship and talk to God, after all he's with us everyday and a time slot is free for us anytime we wish.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about a time slot being free with God any time of the day or night, Bill. We would all do well to remember that. I'm glad the post resonated with you.
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i take a break from social media on Sundays--no FB, no blog-reading and responding, etc. With others here, my husband and I also keep a low profile after church (often enjoying brunch with family afterward), then resting at home. i like to read and write; he likes to watch old movies! In the evening we both will watch a movie or a series episode like "Poirot."
ReplyDeleteNancy, that sounds like perfect ways for both of you to observe the Sabbath and enter into His rest as He intends for all of us. I, too, love to read and write, and Danny enjoys relaxing with TV episodes or movies. Since I don't engage in social media at all, I can more easily embrace the silence and calm of the moments presented to me as they come. Thanks so much for sharing your Sabbath practices.
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It was the rat race for me during my working days. Since then every free moment is a sabbath moment. through out my life the Lord has taught me that He is ever present. It is amazing how He will teach and guide us when we become still in those moments, minutes, hours we devote to Him. Every day I talk to our loving Lord in the time between projects.
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Your testimony here, Jim, contains the entire concept of the Sabbath in a nutshell. The Lord is ever present, and He will be with us always, available when we ask, and a present help in times of trouble. I'm glad that we can both leave that rat race of our younger years behind us, but may we encourage others to seek God's presence every day no matter what busyness tries to interfere.
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Boa tarde minha querida irmã Martha. Para mim, todos os dias da semana são importantes. Todo o sábado, apresento ao Senhor Jesus, todos os próximos sete dias da semana. Uma excelente tarde de quinta-feira, um grande abraço para a irmã e todos os seus familiares na Geórgia e um grande abraço do seu irmão em Cristo Jesus Evangelista João Luiz.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a wonderful and meaningful thing to do, Luiz. Yes, let's dedicate each day to our Lord and Savior.
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Boa tarde minha querida irmã Martha. Obrigado pela visita e comentário. Todas as vezes que acordo, no sábado entrego os próximos dias da semana ao Senhor, e raramente saio de casa sem orar antes. Uma excelente tarde de sábado, para a irmã e seus familiares na Geórgia e um grande abraço do seu irmão em Cristo Jesus Evangelista João Luiz
DeletePraying at the beginning of every day and before we leave the home is a great preparation for all that could possibly happen, Luiz. Rest in the Lord always.
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Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeletePostagem muito edificante. Faço minhas devocionais pela manhã e à noite antes de dormir, também gosto de ler e meditar na Palavra do Senhor. O nosso Deus descansou no sétimo dia e nos lembra que também precisamos desse descanso. Obrigada pelas felicitações lá no blog. Um forte abraço!
Thanks so much, Lucinalva, for sharing how you spend time in Sabbath rest. Yes, we all need to have it, don't we?
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I like the addition of the word delight into Sabbath practice. I just came through a busy, fragmented week of more activity than usual especially for this "retired" me, but I intentionally found still times, quiet times with God and sacred pauses throughout each day and the weeks went so smoothly without so much anxiety. Wish I knew that in my younger days.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd known that in my younger years, too, Jean, but at least we are learning how to better engage with and practice our Sabbaths. When I'm having an especially busy or distracting week, I intentionally do what you've described here. It does give peace and solace.
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During the week its go go go...thanks to the fact I do have to work. However, with that said, I do find the time to pray and keeping it real with the Lord...I was walking out of work the other day and I was muttering, "Thank you Jesus for another day making it out alive." Unknown to me, there was an officer walking behind me and he goes, "Amen to that Ms. Conley. Every single day you have to say thank you because someday we might not either get out alive or even wake up." Wow...we spoke a bit about our faith while walking to our vehicles. ANYWAYS, I have no idea why I shared it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a beautiful weekend my friend.
This is such a great, inspirational story you've shared here, Linda! We never know who's listening and watching us, and when God may choose that moment for us to share our faith. Praying whenever you think do or feel compelled to is never wrong. Hope you have a great weekend, too!
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To be completely honest, my Sundays now look very different from how they were before my late husband passed. I won't be specific about that, but I can say some of what I do on Sundays now are different from what I do the other 6 days of the week.
ReplyDeleteYes, in my former life when there were 3 teens in the house and 2 dogs, of necessity I was much busier than I am now. My husband now is older than me and therefore, although he is healthy and surprisingly active, he also needs more rest than me, so that fact has greatly helped me to not be as 'driven' as I used to be. I don't miss being hither-and-yon all the time. I do make time for the Lord every day and throughout every day.
Thanks, Barbara, for your honest and heart-felt share here today! I think it's wonderful that you can now find moments in every day to enjoy Sabbath time with the Lord. I know He's delighted that you are delighting in Him. It's nice to not feel driven to achieve each and every day, too.
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If we preserve the Sabbath it preserves us! Thank you dear
ReplyDeleteAmen, Cloudia, that's so true! May we all take time to be renewed by the Lord.
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Boa irmã Martha. O Parque Estadual dos Três Picos é maravilhoso. Confesso, que senti muito a presença do Espírito Santo e falei em línguas estranhas lá, dentro. Uma excelente tarde de segunda-feira, para a irmã e todos os seus familiares na Geórgia e um grande abraço do seu irmão carioca e em Jesus Cristo. Evangelista João Luiz.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Luiz, what an incredible experience you had there! Thanks so much for sharing about it here with us.
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Always a beautiful post here. I am so grateful to know you. Hope all is well with you and yours. Blessings & Prayers
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful to know you, too, Anne, and do hope to see you here more often. You've been missed!
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Sitting in a Church with no one around is the best time for me.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Haddock! Thanks for sharing your experience with the Sabbath here.
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