Sabbath And the Rhythm of Life

 

I love mornings. There's just something about staring out fresh each day. I am fortunate most of the time to start each day, sitting on my porch with a cup of coffee and listening to the birds as the sun slowly makes its way up for its daily journey across the sky.  Often I get to watch other activity as the neighborhood wakes up, such as people walking their dogs, cats making their morning rounds, and saying hello to neighbors as they start their day.

It is these peaceful moments that help me to prepare my mind and my heart for my daily time with God.  It is at this time - before I do anything else - that I read a devotion and some Scripture, pray, and meditate. I've made it a habit to carve out this time in my schedule each day. It's this routine that helps me start my day on a positive note - even if the day turns out anything but routine. 

Setting a regular rhythm that includes rest is vital to our physical, mental, and spiritual selves.  Jesus often took time out to be alone with His Father.  God Himself took a day of rest after creating the Earth - and commands us to do the same each week.  And not only does God command us to keep a Sabbath - the Bible even states that we are blessed by doing so.

After incorporating a Sabbath day in my routine, I have found better balance in my life.  I also consider my daily devotional routine as a "mini-Sabbath."

Life is crazy - there is no doubt about that.  And in all the noise of the craziness, it's nearly impossible to hear God speaking. Are you taking time for your soul to rest?  If not, try adding a routine of Sabbath to the rhythm of your life - even if you can only manage to squeeze in a mini-Sabbath each day.  You may be surprised what happens!

Read:  Exodus 20:8-11, Isaiah 56:2, Mark 1:35, Matthew 6:6