Sabbath

The sabbath was made for humankind by God. He knew that we were not able to sustain the hustle and bustle that this world molds us into. Because of that, he created a rhythm of rest. Through the Sabbath, we are able to slow our lives down and be present for the time that God gives to us.

Daily rhythms -
At some point in your day, whether it is your lunch break or scheduled times in the morning, afternoon, or both, take a walk. Leave your phone at your desk, breathe in fresh air, and thank God for what he has done.

Weekly rhythms -
Set aside a day or afternoon to put everything away to rest in God. We recommend that you do this from Sunday morning until after dinner Sunday night. Use this time to put away your phone and TV. Choose to take time to rest from your normal day-to-day life. We recommend that if you work with your hands, you rest and choose something that uses your mind (read a book, do a puzzle, etc.) Or if you work with your mind, then do something with your hands (work out, bake, etc.)

Whatever you choose, it is important to point out that this is about rest, so whatever is restful for you, then choose that. Sabbath is not about adding something else to your already busy schedule but rather subtracting something to help you become more present to your family, friends, or community.

Monthly rhythms -
Jesus would regularly slip away into the eremos, a Greek word that can be translated as "the desert," "the deserted place," "the solitary place," or even "the quiet place." There, he would pray; he would open to his Father and draw on the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, direction, and joy. Then, he would come back to the world of people to love and serve.

In her book, Invitation to Silence & Solitude, Ruth Haley Barton affirms that “In silence, we create space for God’s activity, rather than filling every minute with our own.” Practice it for yourself: Try to settle into a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths. Take inventory of your thoughts and emotions. Meditate on the goodness of God. Rest in Jesus.

Whether you take 4 hours out in the beautiful mountains or it is 30 minutes before the kids wake up. Silence and Solitude is an international time when you sit alone with God in the silence of the day. Whatever you choose, it is important to look at the example that Jesus gave us during his time here on earth as we strive to become more like him.

The practice of solitude is an intentional choice that you are invited to participate in. Whether you can sit in the quiet of your living room for an hour before the kids wake up or if you sit in a park for a couple of hours while the kids are at school. Intentionally is vital. If you are interested in practicing the Sabbath or a time of Solitude, download the Sabbath & Solitude document attached to the resource on the Sabbath rhythm page.

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