The Rhythm of Rest - Day 51 Month 2-20 Week 8 Day 2

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)

Exodus 24:-25:30 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2024%3A1-25%3A30&version=NIV

Psalm 43 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2043&version=NIV

Isaiah 40:1-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2040%3A1-17&version=NIV

Mark 2:23-3:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202%3A23-3%3A12&version=NIV


The Rhythm of Rest


On a typical Sunday, I will wake up when I wake up, walk the dog, have some breakfast, do my daily reading, do some blog writing and then attend church.  If the weather is bad, we’ll watch the church service online.  After church is finished, our intention is to do things that energize and revitalize.  Sometimes, I’ll take a walk to shore on my own to enjoy God’s creation and spend some time in conversation with God.  Sometimes, I’ll tinker with some fun project that is unrelated to my regular routine.  There are times I just continue my regular work.  Eventually, I realize that I haven’t rested and feel extra tired because I am not taking a break from work.


In Mark 2:24 - 28, The religious leaders were giving Jesus a difficult time because His disciples were picking the heads of grain.  They said “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”  Jesus cleared up their misunderstanding of the purpose of the Sabbath.  “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”  He also pointed out that He is the “Lord even of the Sabbath.”  The religious leaders were so stuck in their law that they had misunderstood the spirit or heart of the sabbath.  


Just like we need to sleep, stopping allows us to recenter on what is important.  To help us re-energize we need to rest from our continual repetition of life.  Taking a day to do different things that give our mind a reset is critical to good balance in life.  Now, we don’t do this specifically on the sixth day because Jesus has fulfilled the law, as we read in Matthew.  It does not mean we should not take a sabbath.  Some people can’t stop on Sunday’s because maybe it’s a work day or their life schedule is different than the average person.  That’s ok!  


Take some time this week to rest and rejuvenate even if it’s not a whole day.  Maybe spend some time meditating on what we have read about in Isaiah.  In Isaiah 40:8 we read “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”  God is eternal!  Think about the greatness of God.  Maybe thank God, as you recognize his greatness, that He loves you individually.  You can spend time asking Him for wisdom in your personal struggles.


On those times when I don’t take time to enjoy a Sabbath, I find the weeks run together, my mind gets busier, and my abilities to accomplish goals reduces.   When I take a Sabbath, somehow projects get completed easier and faster, my life becomes more structured and balanced.  Why not make a time of sabbath a habit?


Have a great day!

Steve


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