Remember that time I said I was going to post twice a week? Yeah, me too – that was about eight weeks ago! I may have been a little ambitious. If I’m being honest, I’ve felt sucked into feeling like I need to build my platform for my book. All the “experts” tell you that consistent blogging is one of the best ways to do that.
However, I don’t want to write for the sake of writing, I want to write because I have something worthwhile to say. I don’t want to post because I need to, but because I believe the words will bless the souls of others. This isn’t a post on platform, but in case you’re curious, my two favorite posts on the subject are from Beth Moore and Dan Darling.
I’ve written so many words for my book, and I feel as if I have nothing left to say. Still, I need to write more. Writing is hard work and honestly, I think I feel like giving up. Quite often, writing is a lonely journey – I’m alone, wrestling through my thoughts and emotions – shaping them into something I can use. I’m not going to give up. I believe in the message of my precious book too much, and there are far too many people who’s hands I want to place this book into.
Right now, I’m in the craziest time of my life – being engaged, planning a wedding, planning for my marriage, finishing the book, working a full time job etc. In the midst of this season, I’m learning the most unexpected lesson….
How to be still and quiet before the Lord.
If I’m honest – I don’t like this lesson at all. I’d like to trick myself into thinking that I can balance everything, and still honor the Lord. I’d like to believe that the pace I’m running at will be able to sustain me over the long haul. But if I truly quiet my heart for a few minutes, I realize that I’ve been merely surviving. Have you every felt that way?
“Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.” – Charles Spurgeon
It seems so counterintuitive to take an entire day to Sabbath and be still before the Lord. I hate feeling unproductive – and that’s what rest feels like to me… being unproductive. If I drill down deeper, the issue at play is the fact that I don’t want to feel like I’m loosing control of my life…even for just a day!
Beloved – our worth isn’t in how hard we work, how much we produce, or how busy we may appear. Our worth is in Christ alone. The final Work is finished – it was completed as Christ took His final breath, and was then raised from the dead three days later. Now, Christians have the sweet privilege of participating in many good works, but they should never overshadow Christ’s final and finished Work!
“If you don’t take a Sabbath, something is wrong. You’re doing too much, you’re being too much in charge. You’ve got to quit, one day a week, and just watch what God is doing when you’re not doing anything.” – Eugene Peterson
It’s hard to trust the Lord enough to Sabbath and be still.
Those words are hard to write, and I don’t want them to be true of me. The words of the beloved hymn “Be Still My Soul” ring in my head as I write these words. (Click here to listen to a gorgeous rendition of the song)
“Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still , my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”
With God’s help, I’m going to begin implementing a regular Sabbath. May we be faithful to step back and simply rest for a day. May a Sabbath spirit characterize our hearts and our lives. May we be people of defined by rest – reminding the world where our worth comes from. And may we be people that enjoy a good nap, a good meal, and a good conversation with our loved ones!!
Here are a few of my thoughts on what my Sabbath will practically look like. I’ll probably have to be more intentional on Saturday about making sure the cleaning is finished, the clothes are folded, and the meals are cooked, but it’s worth working just a bit harder on Saturday to enjoy a day with my Savior on Sunday!
Weekly Sabbath
- Take an actual day off (Sunday, if possible)
- No “real” work – housework, writing, cleaning etc.
- Stay off email / social media (as much as possible)
- Do things that nourish and refresh my soul
- Being outside
- Reading
- Taking walks
- Relaxing with close friends
- Napping
- Journaling
Daily Sabbath
- Establish rejuvenating morning and evening routines that allow my soul rest and quietness
- Have a digital “shutdown” time
- Don’t check email / social media after a certain time in the evening
- Don’t use my computer after a certain time
I’m entering a season of stepping back and evaluating my schedule, priorities, etc. I’ve been living at a fast pace and surviving for the last few years. It’s hard to know, sometimes, what slowing down and living intentionally looks like. Culturally it’s too easy to conflate rest and laziness. But, the Lord created the Sabbath, for our good. This post just resonates so much with me, and I had to comment and say “I’m right there with you” with this lesson.
Ahhhh – it’s always so helpful to remember that there are others in the same boat as you!! Thanks for sharing where you are!! 🙂
First off I would like to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like
to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to
know how you center yourself and clear your mind before
writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my
thoughts out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it
just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted simply just
trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
Kudos!