Hey there, friends!
I hope you're all doing well and ready to dive into something truly special with me today. You see, I recently took some time off, and it's left me feeling rejuvenated and inspired to share something close to my heart: the beauty of Sabbath.
So, picture this: there are 168 hours in a week, right? That's a whole lot of time to work, play, sleep, and everything in between. But have you ever stopped to think about how you spend those hours? That's what we're diving into with our new message series, "167."
Now, let's talk about Sabbath. Have you heard of it? Maybe you've attended a Sabbath service or two, or perhaps it's a concept that's entirely new to you. Either way, stick with me because it's about to get good.
Sabbath is more than just a day off or a religious tradition. It's a sacred time set apart from our usual routines to connect with something greater than ourselves—to tap into the rhythm of the Divine.
I remember my first encounter with the concept of Sabbath back in seminary. I'll be honest; I wasn't all that thrilled about delving into the Old Testament at first. All those seemingly weird stories left me scratching my head. But then, my professor dropped some wisdom that shifted my perspective.
He said, "Our story doesn't begin with how the world around us was created. It begins with the God who created time itself." That hit me like a ton of bricks. Our God isn't just some distant creator; He's the architect of time, weaving purpose into every moment.
Think about it: before the oceans, mountains, and creatures of the earth, God established the rhythm of day and night. He breathed purpose into existence long before He sculpted the world we know. And then, in the midst of it all, He created us—humans, flawed yet filled with potential.
But, as the story goes, we messed up. We traded the goodness of God's creation for a fleeting taste of something forbidden. We let the chaos of our desires overshadow the sacredness of Sabbath.
So, what does Sabbath mean for us today, in our fast-paced, always-connected world? It's a call to pause, to breathe, to remember that we are more than the sum of our accomplishments. Sabbath invites us to step into the rhythm of grace—to embrace the sacredness of rest.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Erica, I'm busy! I've got deadlines to meet, bills to pay, kids to wrangle—the list goes on." Trust me, I get it. Life can feel like a never-ending marathon, with no finish line in sight.
But here's the thing: Sabbath isn't about doing nothing; it's about doing something different. It's about carving out space in your week to reconnect with the things that truly matter—to spend time with loved ones, to savor a sunset, to reflect on the goodness of God.
So, as we embark on this journey together, I want to challenge you to reclaim Sabbath in your life. Whether you set aside a whole day or just a few hours, make it sacred. Turn off your phone, silence the noise, and listen for the still, small voice of God.
Because here's the truth: in a world that never stops spinning, Sabbath reminds us that we are not defined by what we do, but by who we are—beloved children of a God who created time itself.
So, let's embrace the sacredness of Sabbath and rediscover the rhythm of rest. Who's with me?
Until next time, take care and keep shining your light!
Blessings, Erica Allen