STARVEDSample

Starved for Sabbath

Fill in the blank: I don’t rest because _________.

Hmm. I’d rather not fill in that blank. But I’ll play if you do.

• I don’t rest because I like feeling busy and important.
• I don’t rest because I am afraid if I stop, I won’t matter.
• I don’t rest because I will feel behind.
• I don’t rest because productivity is tied to my worth.
• I don’t rest because I have bought into some serious lies.

One of the most gracious things about our God to me is that He built in a rhythm of work and rest, right out of the gates.

Because He knew we would need it, He baked in a pattern of ceasing and resting. He knew we would want to try to equate our work with our worth. He knew we would need to stop every six days and remember that everything we have is from Him and He is the source of all life.

He created this rhythm of work and rest for our good and for His glory. For our healing and His holy name. For our needs and His name.

So, let’s try this: I rest because _______.

• I rest because I trust God will take care of me.
• I rest because I am human and I need to refuel.
• I rest because I have dignity, value, and worth no matter if I work, play, or sleep.
• I rest because I am not the sum of my accomplishments or my to-do lists checked off.
• I rest because playing and feasting and enjoying God, others, and the world is good.

Let’s close with this breath prayer:

Exhale: I can rest . . .

Inhale: . . . God is here.