3 THINGS HONORING THE SABBATH WILL DO FOR YOU: The Comfort of Rest.
A day of rest or a time of rest is necessary for our spiritual growth as well as our physical and mental health.
Hey Fam!
Welcome to the 34th issue of The Aim and Soar Life, a weekly Christian personal growth and lifestyle newsletter that provides actionable, relatable, biblically rooted content to help you live abundantly and GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Years ago, when my son was in elementary or early middle school, I had a complete meltdown on a Sunday evening as we were preparing for school and work the next day. I literally cried when I realized it was almost 7 PM, and my weekend was saying to me, “Bye, girlie. Catch you later!” I felt panic throughout my body and a troubling ache in my spirit.
My weekend was as good as gone, and I was completely exhausted. I hadn’t rested. At. All. My Saturday had been filled with doing laundry, going to the grocery store, driving my son to whatever activities he was involved in, and cleaning the house.
I hadn’t left any time for me to put my feet up and rest. I was totally burned out. I cooked dinner, went to my bedroom, and cried. I mean I really cried. Facing Monday was frightening. I felt like I was reporting to prison the next day. I hadn’t enjoyed myself in the least over the weekend. I thought to myself, “There has to be a better way.”
Then God spoke to my spirit, “You don’t rest,” He said. And of course, He was right. I had busy-bodied all day Saturday. On Sunday there was worship and then cooking, ironing, and homework. No rest. I had not taken an opportunity to rest in God for at least one day of the week and I was paying for it.
Honoring the Sabbath can bless you in so many ways.
I am not advocating for a specific day because Paul reminded us in Colossians 2:16-17 that the Sabbath was not about rules.
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17, NIV
A day of rest or a time of rest is necessary for our spiritual growth as well as our physical and mental health.
Here are just a few of the benefits:
The Sabbath Provides Rest for Your Soul
You can never go wrong with setting time aside to spend with God. If you have ever consistently participated in a quiet, scheduled meditation time, you know that the time can positively shape your day. It can give you the hope and the push you need to make it through another day. It can comfort whatever fears you have. It can allow you to hand your burdens over to Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29, NIV
I’ve found that when I don’t spend time with God before my day begins, my days are haywire. I am more prone to respond negatively to the challenges I encounter. I rob myself of the peace that I can gain by sitting quietly reading the Scripture and praying.
Cultivating a deeper relationship with God during the Sabbath can only bring you blessings. Sometimes the answers to our prayers are found in our “alone time” moments. Sometimes God speaks to us in those quiet moments, and other times, He gives us the peace we need to face our challenges.
We have been sucked into the hustle-and-grind mentality. Some even count it as a badge of honor to have a schedule so packed that there isn’t even time for God. But a life like that is just like a hamster spinning on a wheel. There is no peace nor enjoyment of the things we slave so hard to acquire.
We create lives that require us to be on the go 24/7. It’s not surprising that so many suffer from anxiety and depression. We were not meant to be “on” all the time.
Time with God is a gift. Rest in Christ is a gift. If Jesus offered it to us, why not take Him up on it? Why not allow Him to give you the rest you need, not just for your eternity, but for your day-to-day living as well? It’s an offer you shouldn’t refuse.😍
The Sabbath Gives You Physical and Mental Rest
When I was younger and I heard my parents and elders talking about body aches and pains, I had no idea what they were experiencing. I think I may have even found their stories comical. However, as a bonafide mid-lifer, I can honestly say that I understand the struggle and the struggle is real!
The Sabbath offers you mental and physical rest. These earthen vessels we call bodies do not have lifetime warranties and we shouldn’t act as if they do.
If we are going to be good servants and stewards, we have to make sure that we take care of our bodies and our mental health to the best of our abilities. We must commit to taking care of the temples God lives in.
How do you start?
Cut back on activities that have you constantly on the go or block them on certain days and leave a block of time free.
Shut your brain down (Create a “No Work Zone,” a time when you are resting your mind from work tasks and other responsibilities).
Sleep in late.
Get adequate rest at night.
If you don’t, your body may “make the time” for you in the form of an injury or aches and pains which can render you immobile. Even worse, the mental stress of not taking proper care of yourself can lead to ongoing physiological problems like panic attacks, heart problems, high blood pressure, headaches, and the like.
The Sabbath Rejuvenates You!
Time with God, along with physical and mental rest during the Sabbath=rejuvenation. No soldier goes out to battle unprepared. You shouldn’t either. Time with the Master is required. Rest is required. You need it. It’s non-negotiable.
I used to joke about running on empty—you know, functioning on only a few hours of sleep. I didn’t realize how damaging that was to both my physical and mental health. Now I know better.
I’m in a space where I am actively working on losing weight and getting physically fit. I want to be able to stand during worship without my knees or back aching. I want to be able to serve God for as long as I can.
God cares about every part of us. He knows we are human. He knows we need rest and rejuvenation. When Jesus was in His earthly body, He rested and stole away to pray to His Father alone. Why do we think we can operate like robots and be healthy enough to serve Him?
We can find the rejuvenation we need in Him! Everything we need is in Him! Allow yourself to experience the gift of the Sabbath. Time with God. Rest with God. Rejuvenation with God!
God Bless You!
Until Next Time,
GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Sherrhonda
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