Rest. Americans can define what rest is, however, many are without understanding of what it is actually. Furthermore, honoring the Sabbath as God desires is something that is forgotten. Sure, we work 40 hour weeks. We finally learned from the Labor Unions at the turn of the 20th century that having time off is healthy for the individual, but also for the production of the company. And yet, I think we still miss it, for the most part. Because when we are supposed to be resting, we find another project or chore that must be completed. America is go, go, go…and often it takes something that forces us into bedrest to finally slap us across the face to STOP! We have convinced ourselves that to be busy can equate glory to God. After all, are we not supposed to be about our Father’s business? Absolutely. But it was quite the surprise when I wanted to reject the idea of having to rest last Fall when God told me that sitting at His feet was also His business. We can accomplish so much, and yet, without taking a sabbath, there is a danger of doing more harm than good. God designed for us to have sabbath. We are supposed to rest. In the last year, I found there are two primary reasons for rest. Counter to our modern society, it is not passive, and is attached to a goal. In the manner of rest, which includes “not working”, i.e. sitting, lying down, the goal of this rest is to allow for repair from extensive work. For those who do physical activity, the most effective workouts include a short period of rest after each exercise. The reason for this is so that muscles can receive oxygen after being depleted by force of activity. At the end of the day, we sleep. Rest gives restoration. Sabbath is needed, because our souls need regular restoration from the work that we find ourselves in. Secondly, and perhaps more important concerning the longevity of being able to work is that rest provides rehabilitation. In exercise, individuals often will break from the high impact work through the week and will have a “stretch” day. The rest is not just sitting back. It is using the muscles at a slower pace, so that the body doesn’t cease from remembering its purpose (to move), but it will strengthen in areas that cardio, nor strength and conditioning can’t accomplish. God will slow us down to challenge us throughout our lives, so that He can address something in our lives that He is preparing for the next work. This is done at a slower pace, because, well, let’s face it. When God challenges us, sometimes we hesitate, and obedience requires baby steps. But stretching also addresses mobility and flexibility…things that the body wouldn’t ever encounter, if the person decided to not stretch. When the purpose stretches, they are better prepared for more activity, because they are actively preventing injury. However, sometimes injury occurs. Physically, but also at the soul level. We try to have regular restoration. We made a point to be stretched and prevent injury. But life is life, and often, no matter our effort, we still come out scarred. This is where I arrived a little more than a year ago. I was hoping God was just going to send me to another reservation. Instead, He was sending me back to my hometown. “Why?” Because I had to deal with my childhood wounds. What I didn’t realize in the last few years was that I was ministering out of my wounds. Aside from the burnout I was experiencing, because I didn’t rest (out of the conviction that I was needed on all days of the week), what work I did was broken, as well. I am reminded of a series on biblical seasons preached by my Browning pastor. Spring: seeding new things, Summer: the work toward the fruit, Fall: receiving a harvest, and Winter: the rest. I asked my dad what farmers do during the winter season. It would be nice to think that rest was meant to sit back, however, that is not the case. Even in the winter, there is a specific goal. Farmers take time during the winter to take inventory of their harvest and to also repair equipment. Just as in working out, the rest season has an active purpose. There is a restoration that comes from being fed from the harvest, but there is also rehabilitation for things that were injured in the process of working the harvest. God determined that sabbath was needed for longevity to carry purpose. The American mindset that we should work hard, play hard and never take a break for a second is physically tiring us out, mentally driving us insane with stress, but spiritually creates discouragement for the soul. Without rest, we are then convinced that the effort must 100% rely upon our efforts, when whatever work we do must be done in Him. In Jesus. Sabbath allows us to take a break and draw our strength from God. It also helps us to refocus on Who is important. If we fail to remember the Who of our lives, we will get lost on our what. Sabbath is required regularly. And sometimes, God requires a season of sabbath. It is weird to have an elongated rest in a world of doing things nonstop. But in looking back, I am thankful I was obedient. Failure to rest, restore and rehabilitate, I would have continued to work in my own understanding, wisdom, and ability. When I lead me, I found I caused injury. Stepping down from the busy is not bad. Most Christians are satisfied to attend church for the couple hours required and go back to the normal rush of society. When someone decides to step down, there can be judgment as if the person is not right with God. But what I understand now is that if someone sees something awry in their lives and doesn’t address it, worse may result (such as being forced to step down or fall into sin). God has given sabbath for our benefit and protection. One last point on the goal of sabbath, before I end. Sabbath isn’t just about us getting a breather, though that happens. Primarily, it is in the manner we can worship God. Yes, in Colossians, we are directed to do all things as for the Lord and not for men. I don’t know about you, but I am prone that too much work can result in failure in communing with the One I love and adore, and that work ceases to be a form of worship, but turns into duty. Taking a sabbath is God’s version of “date night” to focus back on what’s important: Him. So, if you are feeling led to step away from some things, I highly encourage you to do so. The time spent will be fruitful and will prepare you to go farther than if you had never stopped at all.
