Practicing and honoring the Sabbath appears to be a foreign concept in today’s culture. Maybe it’s because we live in a weird time where overpacked schedules clash with idle minds. Mobile calendars quickly change into full of countless responsibilities as we grovel for a way of accomplishment. Yet we discover solace within the social media scroll and the fleeting dopamine hits and addictive highs it brings. It’s no wonder now we have reached a tipping point in society, especially in terms of searching for the type of rest God created and designed for us.
So, why Sabbath?
The Bible recognizes the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, going down on the seventh day. For Christians, this Sabbath takes place on Sunday as we worship with the body of believers. However, nowadays, Sunday has change into just like every other day. Sure, time could also be carved out for an hour-long church service, but after that, families rush off to sporting events, children’s activities, running errands, or simply playing catch-up from the week, leaving little room for rest.
Rest…Not to be confused with rest or laziness, which it often gets entangled with, particularly for those goal-setters and sense accomplishers. The truth of the matter is that it takes an act of religion and obedience to honor and practice the true rest that encompasses the meaning of the Sabbath.
Traditionally, Shabbat was observed by the Jewish community as a “Day of Rest” and took place from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday as families gathered for prayer, studied God’s law, and sang praises. Then, it transformed into the farming community where the Israelites let the land “rest” every seven years, putting a halt on all planting, plowing, and harvesting. Over time, the Sabbath has morphed into spending more time at church, then coming home to a meal and resting afterward. However, sadly, for almost all, including many Christians, a day of rest, seems practically void in our culture today.
Yet, now we have the chance to flip the script. What if your loved ones selected to watch the Sabbath and practice it in a way that really honored the Lord? What would that appear like and mean to you and your precious people?
If you desire to to reflect on some verses that may allow you to gain a greater understanding of the Sabbath and the way you possibly can practice it in today’s busy and mind-numbing society, grab your Bible, perhaps a journal, and discover a quiet spot to get refueled. God is about to give you the type of rest you truly need!
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Radu Florin
