Are you tired? That seems like an obvious question, doesn't it. Isn't everyone tired? The norm these days is like a low grade exhaustion. A few weeks of vacation is great, but the overwhelming vibe is back as soon as work begins again. I don't know about you but I am at my worse when I'm tired. I can talk with tone and tend to have a lack of patience with everyone. When we at the end of rope and our schedules are packed, we go into survival mode. We can only handle the basic needs to get through the day. There's no space in our lives for things we say are important. Has the busy pace of life left you worn out, stressed out, burned out? There's a better way to live.
In the beginning, God created a rhythm to life of work and rest. We see that in creation and the seasons.He created the world in 6 days, God sabbathed. He rested. He created us to live in this pattern. When we just keep pushing we are fighting against how we are wired. God has given us the gift of the Sabbath and He calls His people to keep it holy. Sabbath means rest. It's a day dedicated to not working, slowing down. It's more than just not working. It's a rhythm of life of looking to God to rest. It's stopping to find rest so we can be renewed. It's a day to slow down to connect with God and worship Him. Stop. Renew. Worship. Look at the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus offers us real rest. Rest for our souls. Will we slow down and look to Him?
This is so counter culture. The American Dream is a grind. There's this underline pressure to do it all and not miss out. Slowing down can make us feel guilty, but the results and our own stress levels show this is working. Our phones are a big problem. We are always available to work or look at email. We are always available. Even when we take time to relax, we just doom scroll or binge watch. Those things don't bring rest. They can actually bring more stress. The ancient practice of Sabbath is a way to break this cycle. Be a rebel and take time to rest.
How can I begin this ancient practice of Sabbath? The key is to start small and start working in some small steps into your week. Pick a day you will Sabbath. Will it be Saturday? Sunday? Saturday Night through Sunday Night? Pick a day or even a few hours or half a day that you will hold and schedule as times of rest.
STOP: Unplug. Stop Working. No chores. No errands. Slow Down. Nap. TImes of Solitutude.
RENEW: Go for a walk. Do something you enjoy. Feast. Enjoy Friends & Family Time. Go outside.
WORSHIP: Go to church. Read scripture. Pray. Listen. Times of Gratitude.
I hear guys tell me all the time that