Stress and Sabbath

Question to think about: Have you experienced Sabbath?

In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak to groups of people about stress. Individuals are almost always surprised that the result of their self-evaluation reveals a high level of stress. The fact of the matter is that stress
has become a normal component of living in this era. Even so, we are not created to sustain stress for long periods of time.

What can we do?

The answer is not easy. We must change and change is never easy.
To combat the stress we must
intentionally place margin (space) in the daily schedule . . . simplify . . . and practice Sabbath.

Why Sabbath?

Jesus discussed Sabbath:
"For this reason (Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.
"If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the Law of Moses will not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath?
(John 7:22-23, NASB)

Christ, God with us, revealed the point of Sabbath is not about rules but for our health and wholeness. A weekly Sabbath releases stress, restoring the mind, body, and soul.

Choose health and wholeness.
Stop.
Breathe.
Determine your stress level.
Intentionally make some changes . . .
place margin in your day,
simplify
and
practice Sabbath.

Learning with you to prioritize,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)