Sabbaticals
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice
Scripture: But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. – Leviticus 25:4
The principle of the sabbatical—a season of extended rest—is a profound act of faith. It forces us to stop the cycle of production and trust that God will provide for our needs without our constant effort. Whether it is a full-year sabbatical or a shorter, concentrated period of time away from the ‘fields and vineyards’ of our daily labor, the goal is the same: to stop sowing and start receiving. Extended rest allows the soul to unclutter, the perspective to clarify, and the spirit to be nourished in a way that daily rest cannot achieve.
If you are currently running on empty consider what a season of ‘sabbatical’ could look like for you. It may mean unplugging for a week or stepping back from a heavy volunteer commitment to allow for internal renewal. Trust that God is capable of managing your ‘field’ while you are resting. By stepping away from the regular grind you are not failing; you are honoring the God who commands us to rest and who holds the future in His hands.
Prompt: How can stepping away from your regular labor for an extended period renew your spirit?
Action Step: God designed rhythms of extended rest to remind us that He sustains the world, not our constant labor.
Next Step: Evaluate your yearly schedule and look for an opportunity to plan a few days of unplugged rest.