Learning to make the Sabbath more of a delight for me and my family is one of the things I've wanted to do during my Year of Yes.
God told Moses that the children of Israel were to keep the Sabbath as "a sign" between them and Him, so that they would know that sanctification comes from Him, in other words, that they — and we — are literally "set apart" for a special use or purpose. Sabbath observance was to be "a perpetual covenant" between God and His people. (See Exodus 31:13, 16.)
Jesus said that He is Lord of the Sabbath. (See Luke 6:5.) It is His day!
How can I say Yes to a Sabbath of joy and rejoicing? What kind of "sign" do I want to give God of my commitment to this eternal covenant?
Here are a few thoughts:
- Rest. The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word shabat, meaning "cessation" or "time of rest." When I finally do my experiment in Loving My Actual Life, one of my priorities will be on rest.
- Worship. I need to be in the proper frame of mind when I attend church services so that I can have a heart to know and eyes to see and ears to hear. (See Deuteronomy 29:4.)
- Music. "Is any [among you] merry? let him sing psalms (James 5:13). Music can be such a great way for me to be filled with the spirit of the Lord — both listening and singing.
- The Word. I love God's Word! I want to be more intentional about being in the Word, and I want to experience the Word in new ways.
- Connection. Building and maintaining relationships takes time and effort. I want to improve familial relationships and friendships. I also want to make connections to my ancestors.
What ideas do you have for keeping and hallowing #HisDay?
