Oh, the good old days.I’m not talking about a particular decade or generation.

I’m talking about kindergarten. 

Recess was scheduled and nap time was required. Back then, I knew how awesome recess was, but nap time was the worst. We were forced to put our heads down on our desk, or lay down on our mats. Honestly, I think I only fell asleep a few times, but it was always  a time of stillness and quiet (which the teacher probably enjoyed more than the students … who can blame her?)

Fast forward several decades. Nobody forces us to play or take naps anymore, but I wonder if we need this more now than we did back then?

Did you know that rest was a part of God’s design, from the very beginning?

6 days of work, 1 day of rest … for the Creator of the Universe, the omnipotent and omniscient God. Was He tired? Nope. The Bible tells us that God doesn’t slumber or sleep. But He was setting a precedent for us, His image bearers. 

When Abraham’s descendants were finally becoming their own nation, God instituted multiple laws about the sabbath. It was even featured in the Ten Commandments. Think about that … in a list that mentioned honoring God and not making any idols, it also says “Remember the Sabbath”. In fact, there are 4 verses devoted to this, which is more than any other law. (Exodus 20:8-11)

Fast forward to the New Testament. Through Jesus, we are no longer bound by the law, but He still states that , “…The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27, NLT)

Can I put this in modern terms for us? 

Take a break. It’s good for you. 

I will confess, this isn’t always easy. After all, isn’t “busy” our standard answer when people ask how we are doing? I’ve realized that I have placed much of my value on what I do. If I am not doing, then I’m wasting time … and just being lazy. Honestly, when I’ve had a “lazy” evening, I have woken up the next day, full of regret and self-loathing thoughts. I’ve even wondered if God still loved me.

Of course, I know that’s a lie from the enemy, but those kinds of thoughts really do run around in my head. Anyone else?

There are some things I am learning naturally and spiritually about the idea of rest, that I hope will be helpful to you. (I want to preface it with this – if you are in a constant state of sabbath and not working at all, the Bible addresses that as well. That is another subject for another time :-)).

1. Listen to your body. If you’re sleepy, tired or just losing focus, it may be time for a break. Take a nap or just do something different.
2. Just say no. Again, this isn’t permission to be selfish, but it is permission for self-care. Sometimes, that means saying no to good things, so you can have time for the right things. Paul encourages us to “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV) We often focus on the 2nd part of that verse, but notice that it is okay to take care of our own stuff too. 
3. God can handle our to-do list. There have been days when I had been going and going, and just couldn’t go anymore. I was fearful that I wouldn’t finish my tasks in a timely manner, but every time, God showed up big. His strength was truly perfect in my weakness. 
4. Designate a sabbath day. This day may be different for everyone, depending on your work schedule and family activities. For my husband and I, Sunday is our day. We go to church, but other than that, we don’t plan any activities, unless it is absolutely necessary. What your day will look like is up to you. I’m sure there are plenty of books on how to Sabbath “correctly”, but for us, sometimes it means we just watch football and nap. Or for me, as long as I am home, doing what I need and want to do, that is perfect for me. It helps me start the week with a clear mind and a rested body.

I love that our God is the “Lord of the Sabbath”. Rest assured, He’s got you. 

~Anu