Finding Freedom in Rest
In our fast-paced, always-on world, rest often feels like a luxury we can't afford. We're constantly racing from task to task, our to-do lists are ever-growing, and our minds are occupied with what's next. But what if true rest isn't just a nice-to-have but a vital component of our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being? What if it's not just about catching up on sleep but reconnecting with our true selves and God?
The ancient practice of the Sabbath offers a profound answer to these questions. Far from being an outdated religious ritual, Sabbath rest is a gift—a divine invitation to step out of the whirlwind of our lives and into a space of renewal and reflection.
Let's start by understanding what the Sabbath truly means. The Hebrew word for Sabbath literally means "cease" or "stop." It's not just about taking a break but halting our work-related activities for 24 hours each week. This time is set apart as holy, a period when we imitate God's rest after the work of creation.
The command for Sabbath rest is found in Exodus 20:8-11 (MSG):
"Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God. Don't do any work—not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days God made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore God blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day."
This commandment is radical. It challenges our routines and productivity-obsessed culture and forces us to confront an uncomfortable question: What value do I have if I'm not working?
Living in today's world can feel like being caught in a constant blizzard. Endless demands, urgent tasks, and the relentless pace of modern life batter us. It's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, to get so caught up in the immediate that we neglect what's truly important.
But when we embrace the practice of Sabbath, we cultivate three essential values:
1. "I have limits."
Sabbath teaches us to acknowledge and respect our human limitations. We are not machines designed for perpetual output. We need rest, and ignoring this need doesn't make us more productive – it makes us less effective and more prone to burnout.
2. "God is blessing me."
Rest is not a punishment or a sign of weakness. It's a blessing from God, a gift of healing and renewal. When we rest, we create space to experience God's love for who we are, not what we do. In these moments of stillness, we often find the healing and clarity we desperately need.
3. "Rest proclaims freedom."
Observing the Sabbath is an act of liberation. It declares that we are not slaves to our work or the demands of others. Instead, we are free to delight in God's creation, our relationships, and the simple joys of life.
Imagine treating each Sabbath like an unexpected snow day. The roads are impassable, stores are closed, and suddenly, you have permission to do whatever you want. There are no obligations or pressures, just the freedom to play, rest, or engage in activities that bring you joy. This is the gift God offers us every week—52 "snow days" a year when we can step out of our routines and into His presence.
But here's the challenge: taking a true Sabbath can feel selfish or unproductive in our busy lives. We struggle with the idea of "doing nothing" when there's so much to be done. Yet, this is precisely why we need it. As Thomas Merton wisely noted, "When we are busier than what God requires, we do violence to ourselves."
This violence manifests in our inability to love others with the fullness of Christ's love. We eliminate the margin and space where that love grows and is cultivated. By constantly pushing ourselves beyond our limits, we diminish our capacity to be fully present, fully human, and fully connected to God and others.
So, how do we begin to reclaim the practice of the Sabbath in our lives? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Start small: If a full 24 hours of rest seems daunting, start with a shorter period. Even a few hours of intentional rest can make a difference.
2. Plan: Prepare for your Sabbath by completing necessary tasks beforehand so you can truly rest without worry.
3. Disconnect: Turn off notifications, step away from screens, and create space for silence and reflection.
4. Engage in life-giving activities: Whether reading, spending time in nature, or enjoying unhurried conversations with loved ones, focus on what brings you joy and connects you with God.
5. Reflect and give thanks: Take this time to reflect on your week, acknowledging both challenges and blessings.
Remember, the Sabbath is not about rigid rules but about entering into God's rhythm of work and rest. It's about trusting that when we pause, God continues to work. It's about finding our true value not in what we produce but in who we are as beloved children of God.
In a world that often feels like a relentless blizzard, Sabbath rest is the rope that guides us home – to ourselves, each other, and God. It's an invitation to step out of the storm and into a place of peace, renewal, and deep connection with our Creator.
As we learn to embrace true rest, we may become more productive, loving, and aligned with God's purposes for our lives. We may discover that ceasing our constant activity makes us more fully alive.
Consider how you might incorporate a true Sabbath into your life this week. How might you create space for rest, reflection, and renewal? The journey toward embracing the Sabbath may be challenging, but the rewards—more profound peace, greater joy, and a renewed sense of purpose—are immeasurable.
In the end, Sabbath rest isn't just about what we do (or don't do) on one day of the week. It's about cultivating a lifestyle of trust in God's provision, valuing our limits, and finding our deepest identity in work and our relationship with our Creator. It's about living in the freedom and delight God intends for all His children.