The Blessing of Shabbat
Thinking back to when I first started keeping Shabbat, my mind was overwhelmed. I didn’t understand how this day could be restful when so much prep and planning was required. The stress of prepping seemed to consume me at times and sometimes stole my joy. Was I doing something wrong? Why does Scripture call this day a delight? How is it possible to shut off the outside world for 24 hours? These questions ran through my mind constantly.
Well, it took me a bit to get into my groove and really understand the blessing in Shabbat. Changing habits can be hard. I would encourage you with this: as you begin to keep this beautiful set-apart blessing of a day, know that changing your life around to create this 24-hour block of rest for your Heavenly Father may be counter cultural and initially challenging, but absolutely worth it! It is a blessing, and you will be blessed by it. I will encourage you to not focus as much on the prep as the importance of setting apart time with YHVH.
Some people who have been in this journey a long time may say otherwise… but for me it is more about preparing our heart than our physical space. The idea of Sabbath should flow from the heart as a desire, not be a burdening checklist. I do believe that our physical space should also have a level of order because we are inviting our King into our home for His appointed time, but you can certainly give yourself a little grace on the busy weeks. It is not about perfection.
First, let’s consider what the Father wants from us on His appointed day. I have asked myself this question when I get overwhelmed, and I believe the answer is He wants our time and attention. He wants us to enter physical and mental rest. He wants us to be renewed and refreshed.
How do we create a lifestyle that provides a level of organization to enter Shabbat peacefully, joyfully, and already a little rested? Let’s discuss some practical ways to find the blessing in Shabbat.
1. Know what is commanded and what is tradition. I had so many friends doing “extra” things for Shabbat that are not commanded. When I realized I was not biblically required to do all those extra things, my heart was so relieved. Know what the scriptures say about Shabbat. Use scripture as your guide. If you decide you want to add in traditions later, do that once you feel like you have the foundational principles in order.
2. Start small & build. If you are new to keeping Shabbat, decide what the most important things to do in preparation for Shabbat include. For me, it was meal planning for Friday night Erev Shabbat dinner and food preparation for fellowship on Shabbat. Sometimes for my family, I do a large crockpot meal and we eat off it all weekend. And sandwiches are a perfectly acceptable food for Shabbat. Some people will get really fancy and I am here to say, it is not a requirement.
3. Get a planner/organizer. Find an easy-to-use Shabbat planner or organizer to start planning the next Shabbat on Sunday or Monday. I used to try to do all my prep on Friday and it was just too much. Think of it this way, YHVH gave us 6 days to work so on the 7th we could rest. Use all six days to prep for Shabbat. I start with a few things on Wednesday, a few things on Thursday, and a few things on Friday. My best advice… don’t leave a long list for Friday as that rarely works out well. Eat that elephant one bite at a time, sister!
4. Don’t look at everyone else. Your day can look different than someone else’s. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy the day (other than what is commanded, of course). I know families that sleep in until noon and attend an afternoon service. I know families that stay home and do Bible study together. Make the day about your family and how you best connect to YHVH. This will look different for different people, and that is perfectly okay!
If you are a planner by nature, it is possible that in the beginning your mind will run wild with all the things you could be doing. Breathe… and allow the Father to show you that the only priority is rest. If it makes it easier, you can plan your Shabbat by plugging in when you will study, pray, spend time with family and community. That may help you to feel a little more at ease with your “structured” nature. I had to do this initially! However, after a year of weekly Shabbats, I have concluded that doing nothing structured allows me to be led by the Spirit and a bit more relaxed. I have learned to be open to whatever he has for me. Now, I count down the days to Shabbat each week and look forward to entering His rest and just being in the moment. What a marvelous concept (and counter cultural) for us today! BE IN THE MOMENT! I pray that as you practice this extraordinary moedim, you will little by little learn to balance your week, prioritize things that please Him, and be blessed by taking part in His Shabbat.
