We have been created with an innate need for a regular time of rest and sabbath keeping. Unfortunately, because of today’s fast pace, we are becoming a people who are losing the ability to rest. So why is sabbath so challenging to incorporate into our lives? Our drive for success and the advancement of technology has sped up our productivity level to the point that we strive beyond rational boundaries. We were not created to be in perpetual motion mentally and physically- the rest of body, mind, and soul have fallen by the wayside. When we do not rest, we lose our way. When we engage with others in conversation, the question, “How are you doing?” is often met with the response “I’m so busy.” If we are honest, there is a small degree of pride in the response. It seems the busier we are, the more important we appear to others.
The shades of legalism that have tainted the idea of sabbath keeping over the centuries also complicate this rhythm of rest. Some schools of thought were so restrictive that the winsome rest and rejuvenation of sabbath were lost. Jesus admonished the Pharisees by stating, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (NLT)
This Sabbath Keeping resource looks at some practical steps into the practice of sabbath. Check it out
