Solitude and Sabbath
Just a short two years ago, during the Lenten season, our world shut down. We had no choice; we entered into an involuntary sabbath of sorts. This time was initially terrifying and certainly very isolating. But as the months marched on, we grew to enjoy the forced reset. The lack of activity, openness in our schedules, and time to connect with family and friends in unique ways provided space to appreciate the slowed-down pace.
Fast forward to today, and things look very different. While some things certainly are not the same as they were pre-pandemic, many of us are back to firing on all cylinders. What happened to our blank calendars, our days off, our time spent just walking outside or reading another book? They seem like a distant memory.
While the pandemic that caused our involuntary sabbath is coming to a close, we now have the opportunity for a voluntary sabbath. Sabbath is a God-commanded time to rest. The God of the universe rested, and he gave us rest. This rest allows us to enjoy what God has created, to have a posture of openness to Christ, and it allows us to see how God is at work in our lives.
Perhaps Sunday is not your day of sabbath rest.
That’s okay. But when is your time of rest? When is your time of solitude spent communing with God? As you focus on the act of solitude and sabbath this week, lean into the vulnerability of rest. In the solitude, be aware of his presence. Know the
evidence of his goodness, even among the most undesirable circumstances. Allow the sabbath rest to silence the distraction of busyness. God is faithful and trustworthy; he is waiting for you to draw near to him. May we seek to rest more in his presence.
—Lynn Stob