the ART of REST...

Over the past while, I have become increasingly aware of how busy our lives have become. There are many things that demand and compete for our attention. As leaders most of us can identify with having diaries and calendars full week after week. When I ask people, “how are you doing?” they usually respond, “BUSY”. I certainly know that this is often my go-to response. Telling people that I am busy gives me a sense of purpose, it makes me feel that I am actually doing something with my life.

But could I make better use of my time?
Rethinking what I do with my time has made a big difference in my life.

Asking a few simple questions may help us think about being more intentional with our time.

-When it comes to how we use our time, what does normal look like for most people?
-What do we need to do to be in control of our time?
-What makes you STOP?
-How can the concept of Sabbath benefit your time management?
-How can I better my life by intentionally choosing what fills my day?

Many of us take work home and allow it to fill every spare second. If it’s not the house phone or cell phone or TV, it’s email, Facebook or Twitter. There are many things competing for our attention, and if we are not careful ,they will distract us from finding true rest.

In order to explore the concept of true rest, consider the Biblical concept of Sabbath. Sabbath may seem weird by today’s standard. But there is something beautiful and deep within this Jewish custom. Sabbath is a day that is set apart for God for our benefit.

Sabbath is a gift.

We find these words written in Scripture.


"'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord. Lev 19:30

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exo 20:8

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” Heb 4:9

Then he (Jesus) said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27

In these verses we see that Sabbath begins as a command. Breaking the Sabbath is breaking the command. This law was given to Israel for their benefit.

We find in the Jewish story that keeping the law brings life and God’s blessing, and not keeping it brought a curse and resulted in being cut off from God.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus coming to fulfill the law, to uphold it and supersede it. We see clearly in the book of the Hebrews that Sabbath is really about finding rest and peace in God.

It’s for our benefit.

In the Gospel’s Jesus’ words are powerful and teach us that it really is... for OUR benefit.

So if we know this, why is it then that we struggle with the concept of Sabbath?

Why are we unable to stop DOING,
and just BE?

Time and time again I have turned to the words of Jesus in the verses below. The Message translation really brings Jesus’ words to life.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matt 11:28-30 (Emphasis added)

Setting a Sabbath day is about finding structure and understanding that the structure of grace is about flow and rhythm.

How are we discovering and learning the unforced rhythms of grace?

Are we taking a day a week to,

disconnect,
from the things that distract us
and
reconnect
with our creator and sustainer?
The One who is the life giver, the peace giver, the One in which we find true rest?

In the word of Jesus, we find that he is primarily talking about relationship, our relationship with him.

Sabbath is relationship.

Building our relationship with God is finding rest in him. It is about

RE:PENTING
RE:CEIVING
RE:NEWING

Think of a beautiful piece of art you know... Do you think that artist decided one day to pick up a paint brush and suddenly paint a masterpiece? Or do you think that he or she tried many times to develop beautiful art?
The artist would need to practice in order for it to be good, right?

In the same way, Sabbath keeping is something that needs to be practiced. It takes a conscious decision to turn off or shut down the things in life that fill your time and space on your Sabbath? This is hard when you first try it, but it will get easier along the way as you learn the art of REST.