I struggle with keeping the Sabbath. I have gone on retreats about the Sabbath. I even led a workshop on this topic (“those who can’t do, teach”, right?)
I have read books. I’ve listened to speakers and preachers.
I joined the wonderful group – the Sabbath Sisters – who share ideas and resources about Sabbath keeping.
I have even confessed this failure of mine on this blog before.
I don’t fully understand why something I say I value, I fail to put into practice.
What is Sabbath to me? I think it is intentionally setting aside a time to honor and be with God. It is breaking from daily routine to rest and to be. Sabbath is letting go, emptying inside of doing, clinging, filling up with noisy clutter in my head and heart.
Sabbath should look and be different from the other days. There is a rhythm to life and even to the workweek that I have lost.
I turned off the computer on some Sabbaths. I have also snuck peeks at my smartphone since the computer was shut down. I go to church and love the communal worship as part of Sabbath. But something still is missing.
Dust covers my journals.
So what now? I know I am being vulnerable here admitting my failure, but know you will understand. I am seeking conversation with you, my friends on how to restore Sabbath in our lives. I know I can’t be the only one struggling with this and the only one who deeply desires to return to this spiritual practice.
What do you think? What have you learned about Sabbath? Ideas on how to reestablish this practice in our busy culture? And maybe it is more – the age old struggle about having good intentions and failing to act. What do you think? Let’s talk
I’d like to “Amen” the comments of “Soulstop,” below. The Sabbath is about rest. I don’t think God intended it to be source of guilt because we weren’t doing it “right.” Is it a restful thing to read devotional blog posts and comment? Then that might be a worthy activity for some. Does journaling offer an opportunity to hear from God in fresh ways? Then, by all means, enjoy the rejuvenation that writing-to-discover brings. Others may find it restorative to just take a nap! Personally, I am feeling drawn to the same Sabbath activity you are, Jean: journaling. Specifically, to take a scripture passage or verse and record my impressions of what God is saying to me personally. Thank you for your honesty, Jean, and for helping us all to consider what Sabbath means for each of us.
You give lots of good points. I think part of Sabbath should be a change in routine so it becomes a day to honor God, not work. will keep you posted on what I learn
Indeed: the Sabbath is a day to honor God. Perhaps that could be our guiding question as we determine how to spend Sunday afternoon or evening: Is this activity honoring to God? Then again, I suppose that question should guide every moment of every day!
I love how you think. we really must meet up someday. ( :
For a while, I tried giving up all things internet on Sundays. But, when Monday rolled around, I’d have so much stuff piled up in my inbox, I would become flustered and frustrated. Don’t think that was what God wanted me to get out of the Sabbath. Now, I just avoid Facebook on Sundays and that seems to be working. Blessings, Jean, and good luck with finding just what works for you!
I know just what you mean about the internet. What I do now is to turn off the computer Saturday evening, no set time and not turn it back on until sometime Sunday afternoon. That way I can answer emails etc Sunday evening and Monday isn’t as overwhelming. So far that seems to work unless I begin to sneak a peek on that smart phone which I do… ugh… been praying and just wrote in one of the other comments that I feel God calling back to my journal. I think I will start with that first step and say. Thanks for the input, Martha.
{sigh} I have the same problem, Jean. What to do?
I have been thinking about this struggle all day and your note did encourage me since I didn’t think I was alone with this. Been praying and think God wants me not to fret about the perfection but just try one thing. I have missed my journaling and used to journal a lot on Sundays. May try – one small step.
Jean,
I think God wants you to rest in His grace first and foremost and try one small thing like you said….sounds good….maybe journal more on Sundays if that is restorative to you…..I’m thinking Sabbath is more than just one day but (there is a verse which I can’t remember) but this idea of resting in Christ’s finished work…heard a sermon a few weeks ago that kind of tied it all together for me….my two cents?