Shabbat is such an excellent illustration of how there is more to faith than simply hoping our beliefs are correct or mentally acquiescing that there is an all-powerful God. We should believe that Shabbat is a set apart day as YHWH commanded, yes. But we should also keep Shabbat as the set apart day! Just believing in it or claiming to keep it while looking absolutely the same as everyone else is not what YHWH asks of us. He requires that we do something.
These five things I am sharing with you today are simple, practical ideas to make the Sabbath look different than the rest of the week at your house. These are consistent with what the Old Testament teaches but are not expressly stated in Scripture. Please see Fifteen Things Scripture Says About the Sabbath for more on this.
1. Put the rest of your life on hold. Because, yes, Shabbat starts with a clear calendar. As the-set apart day, YHWH intended the Sabbath to be different from the rest of your week. A big part of that is not penciling in commitments or treating Shabbat as an 'overflow' or catchall day. In addition to not working professionally, don't be shy about saying to your friends that you can't make Saturday morning brunch (tell them you're free Sunday though!), or a bridal shower (you can always send a gift). There's nothing wrong with letting your child play tee-ball during the week and then having them skip Saturday practice. Your inbox can wait a day for you to get back to it.
Side note: I get that this is not exactly convenient. Sometimes it's really hard. For me, honoring Shabbat has meant missing birthday parties and bridal showers. It's meant not getting hired for jobs I've wanted because of my limited availability. It means skipping the Saturday morning farmers market and missing events that are scheduled on YHWH's set apart day. Friends and family not understanding is part of keeping the commandments, and sadly that can lead to hurt feelings. I don't wish those things on anyone but I can tell you that YHWH commands we honor him above our family and friends, even when that doesn't make sense to us.
2. Disconnect. Consider putting away electronics at the start of Shabbat or at least become more intentional with how you utilize them. Somehow when YHWH commanded us to rest I don't think he intended a day of Candy Crush gaming and Facebook posting. Keeping the television off and staying away from social media are good ways to separate the seventh day from the regular days. While I keep my phone on for calls, I've learned the hard way that getting an email about a problem at work or something to do does not make for a peaceful day, especially since these things are out of my control anyway on Shabbat. So, on Friday evenings my email gets switched off and I make it a point to avoid social media. This has been very positive for me. In addition to the ovious benefits of being more 'present' without the distraction, many studies suggest a digital day off is very beneficial to our physical and mental health.
3. Give a blessing. Judaism has a tradition of fathers speaking blessings over each family member as they sit down for a Sabbath meal. It is a combination of speaking life over your family and praying for them. While doing this as a Shabbat activity isn't a commandment, there is no better opportunity to take a few minutes to express to your loved ones how much you value them nd to remind them of their identity and worth in the Messiah. Even if you are by yourself, speak words from Scripture over your person, your family, congregation, work place, and concerns on your mind.
4. Spend some time sitting down and relaxed! It seems like outdoor activities are a big favorite for many of us on Shabbat and I agree that time outside in good weather is fabulous. Lots of studies show that fresh air is a great way to lift your mood and lessen anxiety, so I am definitely on board with that idea. But I'm also going to tell you - put your feet up. If it's nice enough to relax outside, fantastic! But Shabbat doesn't have to be all nature walks and dinner hosting. Make it a point to sit or lie down just to relax and unwind. Watch your kids play. Take a nap. Read Scripture. Pray or spend time journaling, and just take it easy.
If you are overworked or new to Shabbat keeping this might feel really strange at first. It's way too easy to get distracted by what we "should be doing," and not be able to enjoy ourselves. Something that helps me with this is just jotting down any to-do list items that come to mind. That way I know I will remember them later and my mind is free from that occupation. Figure out what works for you. Listening to music, diffusing essential oil, getting fresh air, or a cup of tea can all help to calm us.
5. Connect with like minded believers to hear the Word. In Acts 13:44 it says that almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of YHWH that Paul and Barnabas were teaching on the Sabbath. I love imagining the excitement and anticipation these people must have had for hearing the truth. I mean, is there a crowd in the world you wouldn't brave to hear Apostle Paul teach on Yahusha and the Old Testament? There is a valuable spark that happens when we are able to hear the word of YHWH with others.
Hopefully you have a congregation you are able to attend that teaches truth. This article has some ideas for connecting with others who share the faith. If you don't have a congregation there's no reason you can't sit down with your family and friends to read from Scripture together. If you have friends with similar beliefs and lifestyles that are too far away to see on Shabbat, checking in with them via a phone call or text is better than nothing.
More on keeping the Sabbath:
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