Developing Rhythms of Renewal: Practicing Rest and Sabbath

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.”   Exodus 20:8-10 ESV

One of the greatest ironies of my ministry was how often I felt guilty for taking time to rest.  I can’t even count the times I preached about the importance of trusting God, yet I hesitated to take time off because I feared things would fall apart.  I often encouraged others in our church to slow down, but I constantly yielded to the pressure to be available to them.  Over time, I admired others for taking the time to rest, but I dismissed it as being unnecessary for myself.  Not only was I hypocritical, but I was also a poor example to others by neglecting

God’s command for us to rest, not as a command , but as an ongoing rhythm in our lives.

Observing the Sabbath is more than taking a day off; it is an expression of trust.  When you and I take the time off from work, we are proclaiming that God is the One who sustains our ministry, not us.  Leaders who neglect Sabbath may be active in ministry, but their souls dry little by little, and their emotional reservoirs are depleted.  Unfortunately, I learned that long seasons of ministry without rest can lead to cynicism, spiritual fatigue, and irritability.  

Let’s not forget the example of Jesus.  Jesus modeled a life of intentional rest.  In Mark 6:31, after several demanding days of ministry, Jesus told His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”   Why did Jesus give this command to His disciples?  Jesus didn’t command rest because His disciples were weak; He commanded it because they were human.  It is important for us to remember that ministry takes a toll physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.   If Jesus, the Son of God, established rhythms of renewal in His ministry, then we should also embrace those rhythms with gratitude and humility.

Points to Ponder

• Practicing Healthy Rhythms of rest requires intentionality-  this means you may need to protect one full day each week, turn off your phone, or plan personal retreats.

• Engage in activities that quiet your spirit- a walk, a peaceful morning with Scripture, prayer, and reflection.  

The Sabbath is both a command and a gift.  It reminds us that God loves us apart from our productivity.  If you haven’t been taking the time to rest, then get started this week.  Take a true day off, build a quiet hour into your week, plan a half-day retreat.  Invite the Holy Spirit to replenish what has run dry in your heart.  YOU CANNOT SHEPHERD OTHERS FROM AN EMPTY SOUL.  

I pray you will discover and embrace God's rhythms of renewal so you can experience the freedom of serving the Lord and His people wiht joy, clarity and endurance.

Blessings,

Will