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Several months ago, I decided to be more intentional about honoring the Sabbath. The goal was to find a way to connect more with God and be more present in my life and the lives of my children. I wanted to be intentional. After prayer and contemplation, I decided I would detox from social media, not purchase unnecessary items or shop on the Internet from Friday evening until Saturday evening. I also choose to unplug from my cell phone and turn it off during my observance of the Sabbath.
For the first few weeks, it went incredible, although it was an adjustment, it was time I treasured. I looked forward to Friday evening and a more relaxed pace, less time staring at my phone. Then one week I missed observing the Sabbath, it just slipped from my grasp, and before I knew it was Sunday afternoon. I could tell in my heart, I missed something special, the intentional slowing of my pace, the reminder that the world would not end if I turned off my cell phone for 24 hours, the reminder that all things can fall away, yet God is in control. I read somewhere (if you know who to give the credit to let me know) that the consequence of missing the Sabbath is missing the Sabbath. This is exactly the sentiment I observed that first week, but then that second week came, and I made an excuse for needing my phone on Saturday for my children’s dance recital, and another time spent in rest was missed. The next week came and went like the blink of an eye, as if the weeks were on fast forward, hurling forward at an uncontrollable pace one after another, and I never regained my footing, my Sabbath. I know I am not alone, perhaps it isn’t observance of the Sabbath, maybe it’s your time in the Word, Church attendance, or meditation and prayer. The weeks churn on and on, you notice the thin layer of dust on your Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, okay that part wasn’t for you I can see the thin layer of dust from where I’m sitting. I’ll tackle that shortly.
This is what I want to share, the flesh gets stuck in the world, in the churn of the days that run together, content to rest in the guilt and not make the change, but we are set apart, called for something more, and there is no condemnation in Christ so do not dwell in the past, it is not where you live. Do the things that draw you close to Jesus, and carve out time to treasure the sweetness of the Holy Spirits’ presence in your life and when you fall short, as we all do. Draw near to Him again, because there is no punishment awaiting you, there are no external consequences you will face. Just like me, the consequence of missing the Sabbath is missing the Sabbath, and my Lord beckons me near, I want that time back, the world can wait. Drive in sweet brothers and sisters in Christ, your Savior King Jesus is near.