Writing a devotional about sabbath rest is almost as hard as finding time for sabbath
rest.
Have you ever been in a group meeting or a reunion group, and everyone goes around
talking about how they spend their time with Jesus?
“I get up early every morning and spend time reading my Bible and talking to God.” (I
can barely get up in time to grab a coffee and run out the door).
“I wait till everyone is in bed and spend time with Jesus.” (I am asleep before anyone
even thinks about going to bed.)
“I always take Sundays as my sabbath time.” (Since I was a pastor for over 20 years,
Sunday is/was never a sabbath day. It was always a workday for pastors.)
I felt so guilty when I heard others talking about finding that sabbath time with Jesus. I
know it is a discipline that you must make time for, but when I find myself trying to mold
my sabbath time to look like others, it ends in disaster.
Jesus tells us repeatedly in Scripture about taking time away from everyone and finding
some rest.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
We are all uniquely made by the creator of all things. Inside each of us is a “God Spot”
that He created. How you worship, pray, and rest is different than any other.
Once I realized that I didn’t have to be like others, my sabbath time became an
adventure for me.
My sabbath time may come in daily spurts. It also comes in getting away for a day and
enjoying creation at my happy place.
Anywhere there is water, is my happy place. Water soothes my soul, and if the wind is
blowing, it’s even better.
Imagine with me – RevDeb version – a God store you could go in, take your buggy (this
one has perfect wheels), and move quietly through the aisle.
In this store, you can only choose 3 things.
The first round – after you have chosen, you proceed to the checkout.
You open your almost empty wallet and the angel cashier smiles and tells you your
purchase has already been paid for.
“Before you go,” says a voice behind you, let’s take one more trip through the store. Let
me show you what I would have picked for you”
Jesus gently takes your hand.
He takes “more money” out of the buggy and replaces it with “the sound of ocean
waves.”
He puts “a better job” out, replaces it on the shelf, and adds “the still small voice of God
in the gentle wind.”
He smiles as He sees you picked “more time.” “This is our most requested in the whole
store,” he says sadly.
He puts it back, looks around at the store, reaches up, and pulls down “3 minutes
watching the sun rise over the water.”
It always amazes me that God knows exactly what you need at the moment you need it.
What better sabbath – for me – could there be?
Hearing the sound of the ocean waves, the voice of God in the wind, and watching the
sunrise, chasing away the darkness of night.
My prayer for you as you read this is to release you from trying to be like others. Maybe
like me, you were not made for early mornings or late nights.
Your sabbath time could be a walk around the neighborhood, or a Bible study full of
people.
Whatever and whenever you come into the presence of Jesus opens your sabbath time.
Still not sure? Maybe you need to go shopping… The God store is open 24/7 for you.
Love to all,
RevDeb