This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to teach our students a topic, I believe, to be of one highest priority to the walk of a Believer. Sabbathing is never entertaining to teach on – it’s not a flashy subject, but it is to our detriment if we are not engaging – especially ministry leaders – in Sabbathing. We’ve all heard that if “Satan can’t make you bad, then he’ll made you busy,” and in my experience that statement is true. The battles we wage with this world, our day-to-day tasks and activities, the “things” that we do everyday constantly wear us down until we find our strength to stand has weakened. These are the times that Satan hits us the hardest. A good example is my marriage. Now, Heather and I have a great relationship, but we also have our moments where busyness and weariness wear on us. It’s in those moments where we have our arguments and we feel the overwhelming presence of stress. This is why we try to date often. Dating is how we relieve the pressure of life and kids and bills and blah. It is the sabbath for our marriage.
Likewise, God’s command’s for us to sabbath in our spiritual walk are for our good. Here’s what I’ve found to be true in regards to sabbathing. First, God commands us to sabbath so that we will REFLECT. He wants to take this time to reflect on the week we’ve had, to reflect on His goodness, and grace. He wants us to worship Him. To remember what’s He’s done. Sabbathing also REFRESHES our spirit. To spend time with Him causes us to know Him. (Ex.31:13) It’s a break from the norm. It’s a rest from the battle. It helps us gather our wits and regain our strength. Even God, after creating the heavens and the earth in six days, took the seventh day to rest…and was refreshed. (Ex.31:17) Taking the time to sabbath also allows us to REFOCUS on our purpose. As we reflect, we remember what He’s done – and also what we are tasked to do. This time of refocusing helps us to strategize and plan for the week ahead. It’s spiritual preparation and empowering. As we connect with God, we taste the beat of His heart. Failure to sabbath encourages selfishness and self-pity in our inner man. We become aware of how tired we are and we lose sight of God’s heart. Lastly, once we’ve reflected, refreshed and refocused, we can RE-ENGAGE with a new week and new awareness of our purpose - ready to advance His Kingdom.
Sabbathing really has become lost today. Many pastors fail to teach it, and many believers just don’t do it. But we have to remember: God commands us to sabbath…because in sabbathing, we know Him. It’s about time we remember our First Love…when was the last time you dated your Creator? *Cease striving and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
DUDE THIS IS SSSSSWWWWEEETTT