Displaying items by tag: sabbath

by Margie Mayes, Donor Care Manager 

We live in a world that rarely rests. There’s a constant hum of notifications, deadlines, and demands. The pressure to be available, the drive to perform, the fear of falling behind — it’s all around us. We move through our days half-present, half-drained, always reaching for something more. The world tells us that our worth is measured by what we produce, that rest is indulgent, and stillness is weakness.

But God invites us into a completely different rhythm; one that is anchored in His presence, not our productivity. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Stillness is not laziness or giving up. It’s a quiet strength that grows out of trust. It’s the peace that comes from letting go of what we can’t control and resting in the truth that He holds it all. Stillness reminds us that we are not our own source.

The Hebrew word for Sabbath (Shabbat) means to cease. It’s the intentional stopping, the holy pause that opens our hearts to receive what only God can give. Sabbath was never meant to be a rule to follow but a rhythm to live by. God modeled it Himself. After creating the heavens and the earth, He rested. Not because He was tired, but because He was satisfied. Completion led to rest. Striving leads to exhaustion.

Jesus echoed this when He said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

He wasn’t talking about a nap or a vacation. He was offering rest for our souls. The kind of rest that quiets anxiety, dissolves fear, and reminds us that our lives are held in the hands of the One who never slumbers or sleeps. (Psalm 121:4)

But rest doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. It means releasing our grip on the need to control outcomes and trusting that God’s provision is enough, even when our to-do list is not complete. Sabbath rest is not just taking a day off work; it’s the posture of our hearts. It’s a declaration that God is God, and we are not.

We can’t pour from an empty vessel, yet many of us keep trying. We push through our limits and call it faithfulness. We confuse being busy with being fruitful. But apart from Him, our efforts run dry. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Our strength doesn’t come from constant motion but from continual connection to the source of life, Himself. We draw from the divine thesaurus God, the endless reservoir of wisdom, peace, and renewal. Every word that describes true strength, peace, steadiness, courage, and rootedness finds its meaning in Him. These aren’t personality traits; they are the fruits of communion with the Lord. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:1)

Learning to Sabbath is learning to breathe again. To inhale grace and exhale striving. To let go of the illusion that everything depends on us. The world keeps spinning even when we stop. God holds it all. He holds us all.

Strength in stillness is not about doing less. It’s about trusting more. It’s found in those sacred moments when we quiet the noise, light a candle, close our eyes, and whisper, “You are God, and I am Yours.”

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

This verse captures the heart of Sabbath living. Repentance reminds us to return to God as our source. Rest reminds us that He is enough. Quietness reminds us that His voice is gentle. Trust reminds us that His promises never fail.

The world measures worth by output, but God measures strength by surrender. He invites us to stop striving, to step away from the noise, and to find our peace in Him. When we choose Sabbath, we are saying, “God, I trust You more than my effort.”

Stillness becomes power. Silence becomes prayer. Rest becomes worship.

Let the striving cease. Be still. Let your soul Sabbath in His presence. That’s where your true strength will always be found.