Rest for Our Souls
Rest is an idea deeply rooted in scripture. In the beginning, God created all things and proclaimed that they were good. God built rest into the fabric of creation. For six days, we work, labor, and wrestle with the earth, but on the seventh, we stop. We breathe. We come to rest. We find what Jesus called “rest for our souls.”
Our journey into rest begins with the practice of Sabbath. The word Sabbath stems from the Hebrew word Shabbat. Literally, the word means to stop. Sabbath is a spirit of restfulness that comes from abiding in Jesus and from living in the Father’s loving presence all week long. While trouble and sorrow cannot be avoided in this life, we can still choose joy even in the midst of struggles. But joy must be cultivated, and the rhythm of Sabbath is one way to practice bringing joy into our lives.
Another way of practicing rest is to slow down. Slowing is “cultivating patience by deliberately choosing to place ourselves in positions where we simply have to wait.” (John Ortberg) It reminds us that we are not super human and that we need to slow down and live in the present. Through slowing, we develop margin, honor our limits, and remember that God is present in that moment.
Physical Cards
All of the Spiritual Rhythm practices have been developed on 3.5 x 5 cards, located at the Feature Wall. You can pick up a set of each new rhythm and build a Spiritual Rhythm library throughout the year.
- Start small
Start where you are, not where you "should" be.
- Think subtraction, not addition
Don't "add" Sabbath into your already overbusy, overfull life. Think: what can I cut out? This rhythm is about less, not more.
- You get what you put in
The more you fully engage this rhythm, the more life-changing it will be. The more you dabble with it, the more shortcuts you take, the less of an effect it will have on your transformation.
- Remember the J-curve
Research tells us that when we set out to learn a new skill, we follow a J-shaped curve; we tend to get worse before we get better. Persevere. Don't be surprised if your first few Sabbaths are awkward and difficult. You will get better, and things will turn around.
- There is no formation without repetition
Spiritual formation is a slow, deep, and cumulative process. It takes years, not weeks. The goal of this 3-month rhythm is to get you started and give you a roadmap for the journey.
Enhance
Read Hebrews 4:9-11
1. What does it mean to enter into Sabbath rest?
2. How do you practice healthy rhythms of work and rest?
3. How would entering into a Sabbath rest enhance your enjoyment and worship of God?
Read Matthew 11:28-20
1. How did these verses impact you? What emotions did you feel as you read the words?
2. How do you picture Jesus as he is speaking these words?
3. Do you want to experience the rest that Jesus is offering?
Read John 16:16-33
1. How do we hold both joy and sorrow in our day-to-day lives?
2. When do you find it challenging to experience peace?
3. When will we experience ongoing joy?
Read Psalm 96
1. What does this Psalm say to us about God's character and power?
2. How does this Psalm make you feel?
3. In what ways does this Psalm cause you to worship?
Read Mark 6:30-35
1. How would you describe Jesus’ day as revealed in these verses?
2. What choice does Jesus model for his disciples to help them deal with stress?
3. What does Jesus’ example show you about how you should arrange your life to manage
the busyness that you experience?
Read Psalm 46 and Psalm 90:12
1. What does Psalm 46 tell us about God’s sovereignty?
2. Reflect on verse 10. How does this truth give peace to your soul?
3. How does Psalm 90:12 remind us that we need to be intentional about how we live each day?
Practice
Pick a time to Sabbath
Remember to start where you are. You don’t need to start with a 24-hour Sabbath. We recommend you set aside a three or four hour block of time, turn off your phone, and just stop. If possible, get into a rhythm of Sabbath on the same day each week. After a few weeks, consider extending your time of Sabbath to 4-6 hours. Engage only in activities and relationships that renew you and bring you joy. Be prepared to experience loss, even anxiety, at being detached from your devices and your normal routine. But also be ready to experience the REST for your soul promised by Jesus.
Choose 1-3 Sabbath activities
- Take a walk (Try to walk in silence and appreciate all that God has created).
- Listen to worship music
- Eat a meal
- Reading, especially scripture
- Take a nap
- Express gratitude
Have a Meal
Before your Sabbath experience, find a box and put anything in it that will distract you from Sabbath - your phone, keys, wallet, laptop, etc. Start your Sabbath by having a meal to signify that you are entering a time of Sabbath. Think about inviting your small group or several friends over to share the meal.
Find Ways to Slow Down
- Intentionally drive the speed limit and pay attention to your reactions.
- Come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
- Be early for an appointment.
- Set specific times to use your phone, then put it away.
- Create a nighttime routine that prepares you to rest well.
- Sit at the table to eat.
- Don’t start the day by looking at your phone.
- Spend time with Jesus first.
- Look at people in the eye.
- Limit your time on TV, Netflix, etc.
- Walk slowly.