We’ve all heard the question, “Whatcha doing?” Sometimes it’s nice to be able to say, “Nothing.” Too often though we feel guilty, after all shouldn’t we be doing something at all times? Well, the truth is some down time is actually good for us and doesn’t mean we are just being lazy. One of the important points of the Sabbath wasn’t just to have a day for God, but also a day of rest. In the world of the Old Testament there was no such thing as a weekend, or even just one day off for most folks. You got up every day and went to work and that was life. God put into the Law a day of rest, in fact God himself set the example. He created the world in six days and on the seventh he rested. In the Law it was specified that it wasn’t just for the Jews, but for all in their households, everyone including the servants, was to have a day of rest.
The Sabbath law is no longer a part of the requirements for us to follow. Paul told the Romans that one person honors one day above the others and another person honors them all. There is no right or wrong, but follow your conviction in this matter. That isn’t to say the principle of having time for God and having a day to rest isn’t a great idea. It still is. Research tells us that those who lack sleep face many difficulties reduced immune function, poor concentration, feeling tired and fatigue. Many health disorders such as diabetes, heart disease and a host of others are made worse by a lack of sleep. Our relationships also suffer when we stay so busy we don’t have time to sit and visit with each other. We don’t have to always be doing; we need time to just BE: To be quiet, to be still, to be relaxed. Summer is a time to begin a practice of rest and relaxation. Plan some time to just sit. Find a shady spot in the backyard, or a quiet corner of the house. Read a good book, read the Good Book. Call a friend, write a letter.
One of the interesting findings that came out of the pandemic, when people were forced to slow down and stay home, was that many people realized how tired they were. People were working two or three jobs, running all the time and never getting enough rest. Once they slowed down they realized how much better they felt, how wonderful it was to have time with the kids, and that they had time to think. Many were hesitant to jump back into that crazy world. It may be hard to find, but find time in your life for a Sabbath rest, time for God and time for yourself.
Don
The Sabbath law is no longer a part of the requirements for us to follow. Paul told the Romans that one person honors one day above the others and another person honors them all. There is no right or wrong, but follow your conviction in this matter. That isn’t to say the principle of having time for God and having a day to rest isn’t a great idea. It still is. Research tells us that those who lack sleep face many difficulties reduced immune function, poor concentration, feeling tired and fatigue. Many health disorders such as diabetes, heart disease and a host of others are made worse by a lack of sleep. Our relationships also suffer when we stay so busy we don’t have time to sit and visit with each other. We don’t have to always be doing; we need time to just BE: To be quiet, to be still, to be relaxed. Summer is a time to begin a practice of rest and relaxation. Plan some time to just sit. Find a shady spot in the backyard, or a quiet corner of the house. Read a good book, read the Good Book. Call a friend, write a letter.
One of the interesting findings that came out of the pandemic, when people were forced to slow down and stay home, was that many people realized how tired they were. People were working two or three jobs, running all the time and never getting enough rest. Once they slowed down they realized how much better they felt, how wonderful it was to have time with the kids, and that they had time to think. Many were hesitant to jump back into that crazy world. It may be hard to find, but find time in your life for a Sabbath rest, time for God and time for yourself.
Don
RSS Feed
