LET'S START...
What are some ways you like to unwind?
What refuels you?
DISCUSS:
How do you know if the ‘tank’ of your soul is on empty?
Why do you think it’s so hard for us to truly stop and rest?
MAIN IDEA - God works and rests, and so do we.
We are created in the image of God Who works and rests. When we learn to live in sync with our Creator in this work/rest rhythm, our lives flourish both inwardly and outwardly. Sabbath is one of the ways we do this. Sabbath is about creating time and space (God took a full day) to disengage from the vibe of our culture and all the things that feed our flesh nature, and instead, bring us into a space and rhythm that fuels our spirit and trains us to walk in sync with God.
EXPLORE THE WORD:
Read the following verses. What do they teach you about rest? What happens when we rest as God rested?
INTERESTING QUOTES:
“The Sabbath is ‘airplane mode’ for your soul. You’re not completely shut off from life or people but you’re shutting off the incoming ‘signals’ that mostly lead to distraction and distress.” – Monica Prescott
“In our own contemporary context of the rat race of anxiety, the celebration of Sabbath is an act of both resistance and alternative. It is resistance because it is a visible insistence that our lives are not defined by the production and consumption of commodity goods.” - Walter Brueggemann
“A great benefit of Sabbath keeping is that we learn to let God take care of us – not by becoming passive and lazy, but in the freedom of giving up our feeble attempts to be God in our own lives.” - Marva Dawn
PRACTICE:
Daily - Teach your soul to rest in God’s goodness through the practice of gratitude – write down 3 things you are grateful for today.
Weekly - Try to create a pattern for your own weekly Sabbath time: lighting a candle, reading a specific scripture verse, special brunch with family, friends; or something else that connects for you.
Consider a seasonal Sabbath – going away for a day or weekend to intentionally spend unplugged, undistracted time with God.
One person’s work is another person’s rest; for some people cooking is a delight, for others it's work. When you’re trying to determine if an activity is rest or work, ask: ‘Is this activity life-giving? Does it draw my attention to God? to His presence with me? to His goodness? to His love for me and others?’ – If yes, then go for it. Sabbath is about pulling us together with God and others.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS to keep you growing
How should I rest this week?
How am I practising Sabbath with others?
How will I restfully play and practise spiritual celebration?
Is there something in my life I can surrender to God to create room for rest?