I am almost obsessed right now with the idea of sabbath. I would love to have people share what that looks like for them in their own spiritual journeys. Sad to say, it is almost an unknown discipline among American Christians. We have so bought into our culture's mantra of busyness being a virtue. It has turned into a game of one-upmanship. "I'm busier than you are" -- as if that makes me more valuable. But who would say to someone, "I am less disciplined than you are"? Because in reality, that is what "busyness" really reveals.
Beverly and I have spent some time over the weekend talking about how we can set aside a sabbath time for ourselves. Time of quiet -- to reconnect with God. Can we really set aside a whole day every week for that? I don't know. Right now, we are talking more like an afternoon.
Again, I would love to hear how that works for you, or even ideas you are considering.
3 comments:
In small groups, I confessed that I read in secret, bc I don't want anyone to think I'm lazy for not doing work, and I never want anyone to think I'm neglectful of my children.
The more I don't rest, the more I WANT to rest. The more things I have to do, I'm frustrated and anxious-anxious that I'm not doing enough.
You said in your sermon-we're so busy, so we'll feel important. It always comes down to making it about ME. AND, in keeping our kids busy-we teach our kids that it's all about them.
I live in FEAR-I'm afraid I'll miss out on something or have regrets bc I turned something down.
And, I act like I have control over my life and am able to give myself everything bc I have worked so hard, stayed so busy, been so important.
Never thought about God COMMANDING us to Sabbath. But I AM SO TIRED OF HAVING TO BE BUSY AND OF FEELING BAD FOR NOT BEING BUSY AND HAVING TO HEAR ABOUT HOW EVERYONE IS SO BUSY. I don't want to worship my to-do list! I don't want to be too busy or too tired for God and I constantly find that I am. I also don't want my kids to be too busy for God, but I'm teaching them to never "be still".
Thank you for sharing Isaiah 58:13-14
Matt. 11:20-30 is refreshing-thank you for reminding me of that.
found this today-Isaiah 30:15
"God said, 'In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength'"
I generally spend the first hour or more of the day intentionally praying, then reading (this year I’m reading through The Grace for the Moment Bible, NCV and also a year-long devotional from Tozer), and then spending the rest of the time reading whatever book I’m working through (right now it's ReJesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church). I am learning too that spending time in silence, really communing with God and listening to God, is such a good way to bring things together at the end of this morning ministry. Of course none of this takes place without a cup of coffee in my hand....
This time fills my soul and opens my eyes to God at work in humanity and at work in me.
When Jesus says that "the Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath" (Mk 2:27) He sheds light on the reality that we truly need to set aside intentional, reciprocal time for relationship with God.
Good stuff.
Love you guys....
Glory to God!
Jason
Several years ago I began doing this very thing...My children in college, so when my husband would be away on a business trip, I would take saturday to read in God's word, pray, rest, reflect,and repeat as the day progressed. It was unbelievablely refreshing. I would unplug the phone, and spend the day with God. I began to look forward to the times my husband would travel, and I had my day with the Lord, just resting in what He would reveal to me, taking time to really talk with Him. It's still special for me to retreat with God and just listen to Him. I encourage you and your wife to just give it a try.
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