Sabbath, Living From RestSample

Rest upon Rest

A weekly Sabbath is a beautiful expression of worship and trusting relationship, but I’ve found God calls me to other increments of rest as well. Sometimes they are a sudden necessity, and at others, I simply anticipate my next appointed time with Him.

Daily Rest

I cherish my daily time with God. All day I plan for and look forward to the moment when I will step away to taste deeply of the Lord and find my rest in Him. Mostly this set apart time involves the giving and receiving of gifts. Papa reaches for me from His Word to bestow His wisdom and gaze at Him there and worship. I release my sin, pain, brokenness and concerns for others to Him and receive back His perspective and peace. He provides wise strategy for my realm of influence. I transparently open my heart for His touch. I know I touch His heart as well. At the end of our formal time together I have tasted permeating rest. Daily rest is an exchange of relational love, and it begets relational love to others later in my day.

Spontaneous Rest

When I am overwhelmed, if possible, I step away for some minutes to rest in my Savior. I try to move as far away from others as I possibly can and still be in the same house (often my master bathroom). I like to sink to my knees in hiddenness, submit my will to God, proclaim God’s truth about my situation, and drink of His sweetness. Sometimes I shed private tears before Him. Then I return to the fray moments later with a more resolute soul. It’s a plunge into still waters. 

Seasons of Rest

Most plants go dormant in winter. They put away making food, seed bearing, and growth to rest. Winter is dear Sabbath to the green world. In the same way we all need dormant seasons for our souls, times when we exchange producing for rest. In my Bible plan “Deeper” I share how much these rest-filled retreats have come to mean to me.

For those who wonder how they could possibly add rest to their current schedule, I concur. There have been crucibles of parenting and teaching when I had little time to rest, whole seasons when I could hardly think beyond the present very real crisis or duty. There was grace for that—there is a season for every purpose on earth (Eccl. 3). But may I recommend prioritizing and reaching for the deliciousness of resting in God as you can—even if it is only a moment snatched? It is so good to remember that God is enough…who we are in Him is enough…what God is providing is enough. What rest to come full circle into Jesus.