I’ll admit it sometimes I work too much! If I’m not working then I’m busy with family, church, homeschooling, hobbies and “honey-do” lists! That makes it difficult to find regular time to practice the principle of Sabbath.
Some times my kids tell me when I’ve been working too much!
Applying the sabbath principle to our lives is a discipline that must be developed. If we don’t take the rest we need, it will eventually be taken from us one way or another!
Yesterday our team of missionaries here in Odessa, Ukraine discussed the importance of sabbathing. We came up with a few signs that might indicate that it’s time to quit working and take a rest.
- Feeling unrested after a night of sleep
- Not being able to “shut your brain off”
- Irritability
- Not finding joy in the usually things
- Not enjoying the company of others
- Discouragement
- Lingering health problems
- Loss of desire for prayer and fellowship with God
- An unhealthy appetite
- Thoughts about escaping and leaving it all behind
If you are experiencing one or more of the above it might be time for you to quit your work and take a day to rest, reflect on God’s Word and get your body and spirit to a healthy place again.
After all God created the sabbath for our own protection!
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Mark 2:27-28
Dan Black
December 12, 2012Being self aware and knowing when we need to rest and refuel is so essential. I found when I lack the desire or motivation to be moving toward my purpose and be following my God given passions, I know I need to take time to rest. Great post!
Caleb
December 12, 2012Dan, you’re right on! When I was younger I paid way less attention to rest/work cycles, but I also had fewer responsibilities so when I was tired I could rest with no problem. Now with a family, work and ministry I find it more and more important to keep an eye on how much I’m working and when I’m resting. Lack of motivation is certainly one sign to look for. Sometimes all you need is one day of true rest to regain the focus and the motivation. However, if you have ignored the need for rest for months or even years, then you might need much more than one day!
Dan Black
December 12, 2012So true, it usually takes me a full day to be refreshed. Have a blessed week:)