Sabbat

Sabbat is an intentional activity that creates a space in our life to rest from the daily stuff of life.   Sabbat or shavath is the Hebrew verb for rest or ceasing activity.  The thing is . . . our time belongs to God . . .  . . . designated to be surrendered to Him.  Time is not given to only work but to intentionally resting in God.  If, we keep the time filled with busyness, we will discover the time does no good.

USA Today reported in 2008 about a study that evaluated over 12, 000 men for a five year period.  The results came as no surprise.  Those who did not take time to vacation had a higher incidence of heart disease and ultimately a higher rate of death.  A yearly vacation increased their health, reducing the risk of death by 21% and heart disease by 32%.   The results translate that rest is necessary.  If, we plan and prepare for rest each week, then, we will be healthier, more productive, and most importantly, alive!
 
I know for sure that we can work so hard that we miss the presence of God and what He is doing in us.  So.  We need to cease doing the "stuff" to know God.

It is clear:   “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, TNIV)

There is an art to becoming still and drawing closer to God.  To begin with, shabath requires planning and preparation. The Exodus people prepared for a day of shabath because God told them to do so: 

They gathered it every morning, each person according to need. Then the sun heated up and it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, about four quarts per person. Then the leaders of the company came to Moses and reported. (Exodus 16: 21-22, The Message)

Sabbat doesn't just happen. Intentionally plan a time of sabbat this week . . . to become still . . . and to know God.
Become healthier.
Manage your life with the wisdom of God by taking time for sabbat . . . ceasing the activity of the stuff of your life . . . becoming still to know God.
Live!
Learning to KickStart the day planning sabbat,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)