I have been having a few conversations these past few days with others whom God is calling to make sure they have a time of rest. Sabbath has become an important element in my life ever since I took an Old Testament class at Tyndale University & Seminary. More so these last few months as I have been slowly reading Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership. 

The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the Lord. For six years you shall sow your field, and for six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its fruits, but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. – Leviticus 25:1-4  ESV

As a follower of Christ, I think it easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Trusting God and standing still seems to be more of the miracle taking place than in the doing of so much.

When I think of the very first apostle that was martyred, James the brother of John, I wonder how he prepared himself for that day? He was one of the twelve commissioned to disciple all nations and for him to die so soon in the call to that task, begs the question, why? First of all, I think that he did do his job. His job, by dying, was to show the rest of the Christians what they too may expect to happen to them and that they should be prepared accordingly. How to prepare? I believe taking time to observe a special time with God, Sabbath, gives one insight into the plans of God.  One does not go forward with confidence, prepared, if one does not know the way. Taking time with God provides me with that plan.

Remember how we talked about knowing the secrets of the universe? What about the secrets of the Lord?

The friendship^[b] of the Lord is for those who fear him,
    and he makes known to them his covenant. – Psalm 25:14  ESV

I know this translation says friendship, but if you clicked on the letter [b] right after the word, you will note that the literal translation is “the secret counsel”  and the word secret denotes the “inner counsel.” Somehow there may be a trace of the Trinity in the choice of words used. I believe that in spending a significant period of quiet time with God, a Sabbath, there is an opportunity to know God and what He knows to share with us from His word. Trusting to know that my stopping from doing will not fail me, but rather strengthen me with purpose and confidence in Him.