Sabbath rest is a gift God has created that is given to serve us as His children. When we fail to embrace His design, we fail to receive the fruit He has intended for us.
When we fail to embrace His design, we fail to receive the fruit He has intended for us.
As I’ve been confessing lately, I’ve been a very poor example of God’s design for us to live in sabbath rest. But I’m also saying this publicly to make a statement that I can be held accountable to. I want to see a new pattern of living established in my life and leadership of others so that we can see more of God’s fruit in our community.
Last week I shared a definition for Sabbath rest that has really helped me. “Sabbath rest is an invitation from God for us to cease from our labourious toil and enter into partnership with His design for life.”
“Sabbath rest is an invitation from God for us to cease from our labourious toil and enter into partnership with His design for life.”
When we make a conscious decision embrace a lifestyle of sabbath, we demonstrate that we have put our faith/belief in God’s order (design) and His rule (Sovereignty).
Hebrews 3:18-19 also tells us that our failure to rest is evidence of our lack of faith, (which essentially means we think we can do a better job than God can!)
I have been blessed with an opportunity to correct some wrong patterns and will be taking a Sabbatical break from work and ministry for two months. This is a timely blessing and Kathy and I are grateful to the ZION eldership for making this available. We will be absent for October and November as we travel abroad, enjoy some new locations, and find solitude and silence in retreat centres. This time away will be a combination of R’nR, meaning I’m looking for rest and reframe.
The word sabbath comes from the Hebrew word ‘shavat’ which means “to stop.” Therefore, any true sabbath must include ‘stop’ as part of its makeup. When we stop, we refocus our attention make to God as our Heavenly Father, ensuring He is the centre of our world. Sometimes the best way to rest is to change your environment, for me at least.
I’m also hoping this change of context will help me to reframe my life. While I’m not seeking a career change (or location change) I am seeking a fresh way to look at life. This reframe will allow me to approach life and all its challenges in a new way, in partnership with God, trusting Him and His providential guidance.
What changes could you introduce in your life to bring more of God’s sabbath rest into your world?
Check out our newest devotion series HERE for eight short videos and worksheets that have been designed to support you on your journey.