Finding Sabbath in Everyday Life

"Some keep the Sabbath going to Church – I keep it, staying at Home – With a Bobolink for a Chorister – And an Orchard, for a Dome."  ~ Emily Dickinson

In our reading from Exodus 20:8-11, we are reminded of the importance of the Sabbath—a day set apart for rest and worship. This commandment emphasizes the need to pause from our daily labors and dedicate time to God. The beloved poet, Emily Dickinson offers a unique perspective on this practice in her poem Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church, suggesting that one can find sacredness and connection with the divine in the simplicity of nature and the comfort of home.  

Dickinson's imagery of a bird as a chorister and an orchard as a dome invites us to consider how we might experience the Sabbath beyond the walls of a church. It encourages us to seek moments of stillness and reflection in our everyday surroundings, finding holiness in the ordinary.  

The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but a time to reconnect with our Creator. It is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and focus on what truly matters. By observing the Sabbath, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and His provision in our lives. It is a time to recharge spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  

In our modern world, it can be challenging to find time for rest and worship. However, the Sabbath reminds us that rest is essential for our well-being. It is a gift from God, a time to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). Whether we find this rest in nature, in our homes, or in a place of worship, the important thing is to set aside time to honor God and find renewal in His presence.  

Read:  Exodus 20:8-11 (Message)

Reflect:

1. How do you currently observe the Sabbath in your life?  

2. What are some ways you can incorporate moments of rest and worship into your daily routine and appreciate the sacredness in your everyday environment?  

3. What steps can you take to ensure that you are honoring the Sabbath and finding time for rest and renewal?  

Pray:

Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of the Sabbath, a time to rest and draw closer to You. Help us to find moments of peace and reflection in our busy lives. Open our eyes to the beauty and sacredness in the world around us and guide us to honor the Sabbath in ways that bring us closer to You. May we find joy and renewal in Your presence, whether in the quiet of nature, the comfort of our homes, or praising you with others in the sanctuary of our church. Amen.