Transform Every Day into a Day of Sabbath

This week, I delved into Mark Buchanan's book, The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul By Restoring Sabbath. Initially, I received this book after my mother's passing, but at that time, it felt too overwhelming to read. Recently, as insomnia and restlessness about life, fitness, and personal well-being resurfaced, the book caught my eye again.

The Call to Rest

The book sat on my desk, persistently drawing my attention every time I approached my computer. I kept thinking, "I just can't right now. It requires too much thought, too much depth, and I don't have the energy to let God change my thinking through those pages."

But then, something shifted. I gave in and started reading. It was then I realized that the Holy Spirit had been nudging me all along. God wanted me to remember Him amidst my pain, to stop rushing through life, always in a hurry, always feeling guilty for not completing my to-do list, and always making excuses for not doing what was necessary for a healthier, happier me.

Embracing the Sabbath

Yes, I still miss my mother. Yes, it's easier to push those feelings aside and focus on life's demands, but that's not what God wants for me, and it's not what He wants for you. In The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul By Restoring Sabbath, Buchanan emphasizes that attending church on Sundays isn't enough. We need to spend time with God daily.

"Under God’s economy, nothing really changes until our minds do….First our minds are renewed, and then we are transformed, and then everything is different, even if it stays the same," asserts Buchanan.

Sanctifying time with God enriches all time. Spending time with Him leaves us elated and refreshed, not sullen and peevish. Isn't that what we all desire? To start each day with renewed purpose and energy, to handle life's challenges with contentment, joy, and happiness?

The Power of a Sabbath Heart

If I want peace from grief, financial woes, personal hardships, or whatever life throws my way, I need to stop running from God and start running to Him. This begins by making God a priority in my daily life, by keeping the Sabbath.

According to Buchanan, keeping the Sabbath is about changing one's attitude when circumstances can't or won't change: "a Sabbath heart is restful even in the midst of unrest and upheaval."

Practical Steps to Make Every Day a Sabbath

1. Daily Devotion: Set aside time each day for prayer and reflection.
2. Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment, acknowledging God's presence in your daily activities.
3. Rest: Allow yourself to rest and recharge, both physically and spiritually.
4. Community: Engage with a faith community for support and encouragement.

Interesting Statistics

• Mental Health Benefits: Regular spiritual practices, including Sabbath-keeping, can reduce stress and improve mental health. A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who engage in regular spiritual practices report lower levels of stress and higher levels of well-being (APA, 2013).
• Productivity: Taking regular breaks, such as observing a Sabbath, can actually increase productivity. According to a study by the University of Illinois, taking breaks can improve focus and performance (University of Illinois, 2011).

Conclusion

Won't you join me in making every day a Sabbath day? If you're ready to transform your daily life, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul By Restoring Sabbath today.

For more insights on the benefits of spiritual practices, you can visit American Psychological Association and University of Illinois.

Sources:

• American Psychological Association. (2013). The role of spirituality in mental health. Retrieved from APA
• University of Illinois. (2011). The benefits of taking breaks. Retrieved from University of Illinois