Why I'm Still Keeping the Sabbath

You've heard why I first started keeping the Sabbath. It's been more than 11 years since then! I'm still keeping it. Here's why:

-The conviction still holds. Throughout the past decade plus, I have heard a zillion arguments for why believers don't need to honor the Sabbath. But none of these hold up under the examination of Scripture. As I continue to read and study YHWH's word, the significance of Sabbath comes up in many ways, and I still feel conviction to set apart this holy day. My faith has grown through this time of Sabbath keeping, and I'm more convicted of the importance of this than when I first started.

-I like it. I should be following the Bible's instructions whether I appreciate them or not, but I truly do enjoy and look forward to the Sabbath! It is a calming factor throughout the whole week. No matter how busy the season I find myself in is, I know I will have a break and time to rest each and every week, and I look forward to that. The time to rest and study the word is a joy, and I'm happy to be able to set aside work, chores, and other obligations on the Sabbath.

-It benefits me. I find myself overwhelmed with life far less often than I did before Sabbath keeping, even though I have more going on to balance. The mental, as well as physical, break refreshes me for the upcoming week, and I know myself to be far more productive 'working' six days a week instead of seven. My energy level is higher, I feel refreshed, inspired, and more alert mentally thanks to Sabbath keeping.

-It really is doable! Many people find this hard to believe but setting apart the Sabbath as a day of rest and not working is not too hard. It took time to learn how to rest and relax and not focus on the cares of the rest of the week, but once you know how, you know! Now that I'm used to keeping the Sabbath, it is completely natural to prepare for it and keep that day free of other commitments. My husband and I have both found jobs where we don't work on the Sabbath. Our families and friends have accepted this part of our lifestyle. I've found that the world does go on, even if I'm not participating in the same things that I used to on Saturdays.

-I can see how others who started keeping the Sabbath benefit. When I started keeping Sabbath I did so at the same time as my now-husband, my parents, and several other friends and families from our small congregation. They're still keeping Sabbath too and would tell you it is meaningful and valuable. I can see how their faith has grown through taking this tangible step of faith.

-To show others that it is possible. When I get together with people who don't keep the Sabbath, there's usually a clear theme: everyone is mind-numbingly busy and stressed to the point of tears. I hear this from friends, relatives, coworkers, and people in my community. I don't look down on anyone for not keeping the Sabbath - I didn't either for much of my life - but I do feel for those who are overwhelmed with no break in sight. I want to show others that even if you're juggling a million responsibilities and commitments, you can still partake in this incredible gift of rest and restoration from our God!

More on the Sabbath:
Sabbath in the New Testament
Tips for Resting on the Sabbath
Things I Love about the Sabbath

What To Do on the Sabbath

If the Sabbath is a day of rest what are we supposed to do on it? What should this set apart day look like when we are pausing from so many of our regular activities? If we aren't working or "being productive" what can or should our day look like? I want to give some suggestions for Sabbath appropriate activities, because when I first started keeping this day set apart, I was forever wondering things like, should I be doing this? is this okay?

Note that these activities are suggestions. This is not a checklist of things to get done, but rather ideas for how you can enjoy the Sabbath day. Hopefully you are able to do a couple of things from the 'spiritual' category each week, but please don't feel pressured to try and do every single thing mentioned here each Sabbath. The beauty of the Sabbath is that it's not a day for being 'productive' or getting things done. It's the day when we are commanded to stop those other things and to rest and worship YHWH. If you "don't do anything" or get "nothing" done, it's more than okay.

Here are some ideas for how we can spend the Sabbath.

Spiritual things to do:

Listen to or sing worship songs

Read Scripture

Do a Bible study

Attend congregation

Listen to a teaching or sermon

Study with friends and family

Listen to an audio Bible

Speak a blessing over yourself and others

Spend time in prayer

Self care related activities:

Personal hygiene

Nap

Take a bath

Go for a walk

Sit outside

Stretch

Have a cup of tea

Relationships:

Have lunch or dinner with family

Call or visit an older relative

Sit and talk with your spouse, friends, or family

Caring for others:

Basic care of children, the sick, and the elderly

Basic care of animals

Necessary house cleaning (i.e. cleaning up a broken glass or pet's accident)

Fun things to do:

Enjoy the beach or the lake

Play a board game

Watch a movie

Read

These are ideas for how you can spend your time in Biblically permissible ways, not a conclusive list of all permissible activities on the Sabbath. Are you wondering about something not on the list? Familiarize yourself with Scripture's directions for the Sabbath. Then ask yourself some questions about that activity. Does this fit with keeping God's word? Would it be restful to do it? Would that cause someone else to work? Is it necessary to do this today?

The Sabbath is the day we are commanded to rest and worship. Those are the only things we need to accomplish. Give yourself permission to step back from the other things and enjoy the gift of rest and time with the Creator. We truly do well if that's what we accomplish on the Sabbath!

Related posts:
What Not To Do on the Sabbath
Fifteen Things Scripture Says About the Sabbath
How to Stop Working on Shabbat

Happy Are Those Who Set Apart the Sabbath Day

Did you know that the Bible tells us one of the keys to happiness? I absolutely love this promise:

"Happy are those who set apart the Sabbath day." -Isaiah 56:2

First and foremost I keep the Sabbath simply because the Bible tells us to and I want to honor the Creator by doing my best to be obedient to that instruction. But I certainly cannot miss that Sabbath keeping has brought a slew of blessings to my life in the form of joy, peace, and rest.

It makes me happy that there is a day each and every week where I'm not striving or working to get ahead. Having not just permission, but specific instruction, to rest instead of head into work, or try to get a few things 'done'. It is a joy that YHWH instructed me to read or take a nap or focus on worshipping him instead of unload the dishwasher or do the laundry. In busy seasons, it gives me peace to know that I and my husband will have time together each Sabbath. It's peaceful to know that a day of restoration is never more than six days away.

Is my life perfect now that I am a Sabbath keeper? It is not, and it's important to note here that this verse doesn't say that we won't have any problems if we honor the Sabbath day. It doesn't say that we won't have worries or things to be upset about. But by resting on the Sabbath we are building up ourselves to be "content in all circumstances," (Philippians 4:12) and that means that we can have peace and joy, even when circumstances aren't to our liking. As we exercise our faith by putting the commandment of keeping the Sabbath day set apart into practice, we grow in the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, etc. If you want more of those blessings from the Creator in your life, then it's time to call his Sabbath a delight and set it apart.

More on the Sabbath:

Fifteen Things Scripture Says About the Sabbath
Things I Love About the Sabbath
What the Messiah Taught About the Sabbath

Get Outside this Shabbat

This article was also featured in Torah Sisters Magazine. Click here for the latest issue.

Are you looking for ways to make family memories this Summer? Or just wanting a peaceful way to spend the Sabbath day? Think about taking your lunch routine outside this Shabbat and soaking up that warm, and gorgeous sunshine! Personally I have a lot of happy memories of outdoor family meals and cookouts with friends. The change from the ordinary makes for a special time, and most people seem to be better able to relax outside. There is more room for play and the atmosphere is laid back. It's so restorative to be in the fresh air - doesn't enjoying a meal outdoors sound especially welcome for Shabbat? Additionally less cleanup is needed, because the grass is a lot more forgiving with spills than your kitchen floor. And the extra vitamin D from the sunshine brings health benefits, so head outside for some Sabbath joy this week.

Dining outside can be as simple as you'd like. It absolutely does not have to be a lot of hassle. A blanket on the ground and finger food is all you need for a fun time! You can enjoy your own backyard or head to a local park or beach area. Keep it simple and your family can have a great time. A few things to make it easy:

-If you're eating out on the patio have each family member carry their own place setting outside.
-For picnics away from home load everything into a basket to minimize trips to and from the car.
-Pack up dishes, silverware, napkins, and non perishables ahead of time so it's ready to go for Sabbath lunch.
-Pretty up your setting with a colorful tablecloth or blanket, or use patterned napkins or dishes.
-A statement piece like a bouquet of flowers or a menorah makes for an extra special atmosphere.
-Many parks offer picnic tables, shelter areas, drinking fountains, and playground equipment that you can take advantage of.
-Grab some throw pillows from your home to make it more comfortable.
-Mix it up by visiting different locations or even a different part of your local park.

If you're concerned about bugs there are several things you can do to set yourself up for success. Many pesky insects tend to stick to the twilight hours or prefer the shade. By heading out earlier in the day and staying in the sunlight that will keep a lot at bay. Very rarely do I have bug trouble around lunch, so that's a perfect time to get outside. Breeze works in your favor too and can really keep the bugs off. If you're at home you could easily set up a fan to mimic that effect. Plants like citronella, lavender, ageratum, rosemary, lemongrass, mint, and marigolds help to repel unwanted insects, so plant some where you like to spend time at home. Keep food (especially sweets) covered so ants and bees don't feel invited to help themselves. Of course don't forget to stick some natural insect repellant in your picnic basket, and when all else fails try a new location!

Since the Creator first placed mankind in a garden I don't think it's a coincidence that feelings of joy, peace, and contentment come from being in his Creation. Whether you have a picnic lunch, read Scripture in a hammock, go for a swim in the lake, or take a walk in the woods, take a moment to appreciate his amazing handiwork. Yahusha tells us that we should, "consider the lily." (Matthew 6:28) Depth and richness are added to us by seeing wildflowers grow. By getting outside and just noticing the things YHWH made we get to know him better. Now doesn't that sound like a perfect lunch?