For a few years now I have been making it my practice to set aside Wednesday as a special day. I call it my “chai tea and theology” day, and it is my favorite day of the week. On this day I spend extended time with God. I read and study His Word, and I listen. I pray about decisions and for people I love, and I listen. I love it when I can take a walk or to work in the garden and I listen.
This day has become essential to my well-being. It nourishes my soul. I, like you, have a busy lifestyle and many people who depend on me. I love to be part of whatever is going on at my church, and I love to work hard. But I can’t maintain my industrious ways without my day of rest.
A day of rest and seeking God is a biblical principle that many of us have forgotten. God created the world in six days, and on the seventh day He rested (Genesis 2:2). From the time of the ancient Hebrews, God told His followers to rest on the seventh day and to keep it holy (separate, set apart, different; Exodus 20:8). This principle became a problem by Jesus’ time when the religious people of the day had created so many rules that the day of rest became anything but a day of relating to God. When the religious people ‘called Jesus out’ for harvesting some grain to eat, Jesus spoke to their ridiculous accusation in this way: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27, NIV).
The principle is just as true for us today. The day of rest and relating to God is for our souls. It nourishes us. It’s not about following rules or a tradition to make God happy. I have come to value this day and protect it as well as I am able, because it is on this day that I am renewed to do all that I do during there rest of the week. My ‘sabbath,’ my regular day of rest, has changed me. I have become more attuned to hear that still small voice of God, and I am better able to follow.
I write this not as a shame to you if you don’t (or can’t) set aside a day like this. I’m simply sharing it because it is so important to me, and I would like to encourage you to consider some time alone on a regular basis to read what God has said, to talk to Him, and to listen.
God bless you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhveWUI0sXA
i look forward to being in touch and learning,Vickie. God bless.
Thanks for sharing! Some more great thoughts and great truth. It reminds me of my post about Jesus doing the same so often and the example He left us to do the same. https://hopetoinspireyou.wordpress.com/2015/09/24/come-away-with-me/ Blessings to you, Vicki!
Yes! I remember reading that blog! You always have something good to say. I’m so glad you are doing what you are doing!
Refreshing to read your blog. Thank you for sharing. It’s evident you love God and want to do what He has planned for you. You have a gift of making people feel at ease. Making it easier to share what’s on their minds. And that someone really does care what you have to say. Blessings!!
Thank you Gayle. Your encouragement truly means a lot. I really like hearing your heart and I know it seeks after God. I usually find it easier to share my thoughts in a smaller group, but I feel God has called me to step out of that comfort zone and share with more people.
Yes, Yes and yes. For those who have never experienced the challenge to make this happen each week and it is a challenge, but worth the work to make it happen! You have been so encouraging – Thank you. Go ahead give honor to God by giving Him yourself, your time, your thoughts, your prayers, your very breath! Good thoughts and ideas for us all thanks again! <3