For a short time of my childhood, Sunday was the one day of the week unlike the other six. We woke early to go to Sunday School, followed by church. There was a family dinner, a quiet and restful afternoon filled with movies or a good nap. Then back to church for the evening service. Even now, there is no nap as beneficial and peaceful as a Sunday afternoon nap.
It was short lived as by the time my teenage years came, blue laws were no longer in effect and stores were opened. Errands could be run. Shopping done. The restful Sunday afternoons were a thing of the past unless one made the deliberate choice to make room for the Sabbath.
We need a day set apart from all the others, different in their routine. We desperately require down time, a few hours each week with limited or no stress.
“Rest” (as defined by dictionary.com) is:
- the refreshing quiet
- refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor
-
relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs
- a period of tranquility
We benefit from rest – a Sabbath – because we require time to reset, refocus, and recharge for the days ahead.
Sabbath remains holy and set apart because He is holy, different, other than. (Shelly Miller)
Sabbath is important, critical even, because as we rest, we are better able to give God our full attention which He fully deserves. It is the one day we give back to Him so that He can give us more of Himself.
In her book, Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World, Shelly Miller shares practical and wise ways by which we all can make room in our busy lives for Sabbath. But she maintains that it will be a deliberate choice we make, as we fight against the busyness which plagues our world. It will not come easily or without a battle.
After a week of responsibilities and work, Sabbath comes as a day which breathes hope back into our souls:
When we build a rhythm of rest, it is a sign of hope for a weary world.
(Shelly Miller)
Our bodies and souls find hope to face the next wave of work and stresses. We find hope in the truth that another Sabbath awaits us. Our God waits for us to spend time in His Presence.
On the day we choose to abide on Sabbath, He appears like a gift delivered on our doorstep or an arrow shooting across a cloudless sky. He longs for relationship more than anything we can do for Him. The signs are all around us. (Shelly Miller)
Sabbath is rest.
Sabbath is resting in His love.
Sabbath brings hope to our weary souls.
For as we Sabbath, we see more of Him.
Rhythms of Rest is a journey towards rest as Shelly shares personally from her own life, and the lives of others, how to implement Sabbath into our lives. Her words are like a breath of fresh air and will stir your soul to find rest in our God who is longing to spend time with each of us.
** In exchange for my honest review, I was given an electronic copy of the book. It was my privilege and joy to read every word as it enriched my life and it will surely do so for you.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and #RaRaLinkup .
Thanks for sharing yours and Shelly’s thoughts on Sabbath rest. It is something we all struggle with in our never-turned-off world. But physical rest and finding those moments with God to fill our soul with His Word and plans for us are so, so needed. Happy to have stopped by today from #TestimonyTuesday!
Joanne, our Sundays were very much like this in raising our children also. We tried to have traditions on Sunday, and they changed as the kids got older, but I loved that it was such a restful time for our family, even in the ministry. Even now with two in college and living at home, there’s nothing like a Sunday afternoon nap! Hope to the weary soul…yes!
Rest is a deliberate choice. Yes. It’s one I need to make more often, but for some reason I don’t think I can afford to. May I learn to realize that I live in abundance and there is always room for the expensive luxury of rest. Shelly’s book sounds delightful! Thanks for sharing about it, Joanne.
A few bits about this book have come across my screen lately. It’s intriguing, and honestly, simply reading reviews causes me to take a look at my own Sabbath. I can’t imagine how much more the book would encourage. The visit today is an enjoyable one via #testimonayTuesday. Thanks, Joanne.
Oh, I am learning this more and more, Joanne – the need for intentional rest. It’s so hard for me to shut down and quiet my mind when I know there are things to be done. I’ve had to truly – like you mention – be intentional about this. It’s almost like sitting on my hands to keep from fidgeting! But – there is such sweetness in resting, being refreshed, and enjoying the un-rush. Thank you for sharing this book with us – it sounds like one I need!
I love Sabbath rest and have been delighting in it for 50 years now! Of course, the older I get, the more I value that 24-hour span of rest from the world’s cares. I’m glad you enjoyed the book.
Joanne,
“For as we Sabbath, we see more of Him.” What a great reminder to be still, not just to find rejuvenation, but more importantly, to see more of God. Rarely to I get to see more of God in the hustle, bustle, run around chaos….but instead in the rest and slowing down. Great reminders. So good to stop by and Sabbath…the Foundation doesn’t afford me as much time as I’d like to visit 🙂
Blessings,
Bev