Sabbath ...creating space in the chaos of everyday life
Got rest?
When I think of the Ten Commandments, I think of "thou shalt not" kill, steal, commit adultery, covet, lie, worship idols. I realize I haven't recalled all ten, but don't you think modern culture, or even conservative pop culture focuses more on the "biggies" such as these--than keeping the Sabbath and resting? Why has God commanded us to observe the Sabbath, to not work, and to keep rest holy? Is it really that important? We all observe that our bodies don't function well without a good night's sleep. Even athletes give their muscles recovery periods in order to recoup and grow stronger. What does God say?
Old Testament Psalms give us some clues. Psalm 23: 1-3 states, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Doesn't the fact that God has to "maketh" us to lie down bring a smile to your face? It reminds me of kindergarten nap time. No child wants to miss a minute of the day, but Teacher knows the day will be more fruitful if one has a nap! Even after our "nap," our Shepherd leads us beside still (peaceful) waters, leading us to continue relaxing in Him.
Psalm 46:10 reads, "Be still and know that I am God." When I am busy and preoccupied, I become like a robot. I don't "think outside the box," I just check boxes off my to-do list. (I give myself all of the credit, too.) Perhaps God wants us to rest so that we might be able to hear his voice instead of our own wheels turning. When Moses entrusts us with God's Sabbath commandment, he does so because God rested after his mighty creation. Why make this comparison? What would rest after completion of a huge project or a week's work allow? Room for reflection, retrospection, and thanksgiving--rather than beginning the next project!
Reading:
Mathew 11:28-30
Prayer:
Shepherd,
You know your sheep better than anyone. Give each one of us REST: physical, mental, and emotional. Quiet us so that we can hear you answer our prayers. Give us pause so that we may know that your hand guides our path: there is nothing to fear. Let us be ever mindful and thankful that you are with us always.Amen