Sabbath Lessons in Quarantine—Part 2

Of course, not everyone has the luxury of more rest and reflection during this uncertain time.  However, there are lessons here for each of us—ones we don’t usually take the time to pay attention to or apply in our busy, hectic, non-stop lives.

 Here are some that I have learned on our sabbaticals that might be useful to you:

Slow down…simplify!

Accept God’s timing:  be patient and wait.

Be aware of God at work in your life.

Be in God’s Word more…memorize and repeat Scripture.

Add new relationships…be open to differences. This would need to be virtual. That’s o.k.

Take time to keep a journal—or written or typed record--of reflections and remembrances.

Intercede—pray, pray, pray.

Choose to make family and extended family a greater priority.

Add or cultivate a new or long-forgotten hobby.

Loosen your hold on things.

I have talked with many of you who have been in better touch with parents, siblings, children. More walks. More time sitting on the porch.  More devotional reading. Less grabbing for the gusto.

 Jesus modeled the importance of slowing down…of getting away from the everyday demands:

 Jesus said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”  For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” —Mark 6:31

Once when Jesus was praying alone…—Luke 9:18

“Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by Himself.” --Matthew 14:13

 “In the morning, while it was still very dark, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.” --Mark 1:35

 “When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain by Himself.” --John 6:15

Jesus encourages us to stop trying to do everything ourselves, to come to Him, abide in Him, and He will give us peace and rest:

 Come to Me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:38  (Jesus speaking)

“Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me, and I in Him, bears much fruit;  for without Me, you can do nothing” —John 15:4-5 (NKJV)

Reflect:

·        Meditate on Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 (above). How do Jesus’ words minister to you in this season?

·        Meditate on Jesus’ words in John 15 (above). How do Jesus’ words minister to you in this season?

·        How can you, even with whatever changes you are experiencing, be intentional about slowing down, about resting?

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has spent over three decades equipping  churches of 60 to 9,000. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.