Sabbath Practice #3: Practice Delight

“After finishing his work in creation, God pronounced it ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31). This was not an anemic afterthought--Oh, well, it’s nice to be done with that—but a joyful recognition and celebration of accomplishment. As part of observing Sabbath, God invites us to join in the celebration, to enjoy and delight in his creation and all the gifts he offers us in it.”
-Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader, p.147-148

Our practice of Sabbath is built upon God’s practice of Sabbath in Genesis 1-2. Because God—who never gets tired, never needs to sleep, and is never overwhelmed by the stresses of life—rested, we too rest. But not only do we rest because He rests, we also are to rest in the way He rests.

God’s practice of Sabbath included practicing delight. He looked around at the world He had created and celebrated the goodness of a job well done. This can also characterize our practice of Sabbath.
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• What are the things you’re thankful for when you come to the end of your work week?
• What accomplishments can you celebrate?
• What are the things that fill you with joy when you focus on them?
• What do you like to do for fun?

All of these questions can help you to turn your “day off” into a true biblical Sabbath, a twenty-four-hour block of time in which you stop work, enjoy rest, practice delight, and contemplate God.

Grace and peace,