It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, always rushing from one thing to another without taking a moment to pause and reflect. That’s why Sabbath rest is so essential. It’s a time to remember, rest, rejoice, release, and refresh. In this 5-session Bible study, we will explore what it means to make room for Sabbath in our lives and how it can transform our relationship with God and others.
Session 1: Remember
The first session of the “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” study focuses on the importance of remembering the Sabbath day. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the significance of this commandment. However, Sabbath rest is not just an outdated tradition but a vital part of our spiritual well-being.
Remembering the Sabbath means intentionally setting aside time to rest and reflect on God’s goodness. It’s an opportunity to take a break from the demands of daily life and focus on our relationship with God. Whether it’s a few hours or an entire day, Sabbath rest allows us to recharge our batteries and gain a fresh perspective on life.
During this session, we will discuss practical ways to incorporate Sabbath rest into our daily lives. We will also explore the benefits of Sabbath rest, including increased productivity and creativity, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved physical and mental health.
To start, consider scheduling a regular time for Sabbath rest. It could be a particular day of the week, a few hours each day, or a longer period of time once a month. Whatever works best for you, make it a priority. Turn off your phone, disconnect from technology, and focus on being present in the moment. Use this time to pray, read the Bible, meditate, or simply rest.
Session 2: Rest
The second session of the “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” study delves into the importance of rest. We live in a culture that glorifies busyness, but the truth is that rest is just as important as work. Without rest, we become exhausted, stressed, and burned out. Sabbath rest is an opportunity to prioritize rest and recharge our batteries.
Rest is not just physical but also mental and emotional. It means taking a break from our worries and anxieties and allowing ourselves to be present in the moment. It’s about finding a balance between work and rest and learning to listen to our bodies and minds’ needs.
During this session, we will explore the effects of overwork and burnout and learn why rest is essential for our overall well-being. We will also discuss practical ways to prioritize rest in our daily lives, such as setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and taking breaks throughout the day.
To start, consider scheduling regular breaks throughout the day. It could be a 10-minute walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly and reflecting. Also, make sure to get enough sleep each night and take time off work when needed. Remember, rest is not a luxury but a necessity for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Session 3: Rejoice
The third session of the “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” study focuses on discovering joy in Sabbath rest. Sabbath rest is not just about taking a break from work, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness and provision in our lives.
When we take time to rest and reflect, we begin to see the world through a different lens. We become more aware of the beauty around us, more grateful for our blessings, and more connected to God. Sabbath rest is a time to cultivate a spirit of joy and celebration and to find delight in the simple things in life.
During this session, we will explore different ways to find joy in Sabbath rest, such as spending time in nature, enjoying good food and company, and engaging in creative activities. We will also discuss how to cultivate gratitude and celebration in our daily lives and how to incorporate these practices into our Sabbath rest routine.
To start, consider taking time to notice the beauty around you. Whether it’s a sunset, a flower, or a smile from a loved one, take a moment to appreciate it. Also, make sure to celebrate your blessings, whether it’s through prayer, journaling, or sharing with others. Sabbath rest is a time to find joy in the present moment and to celebrate the goodness of God.
Session 4: Release
The fourth session of the “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” study focuses on letting go of worries and burdens. Sabbath rest is a time to release our anxieties and fears and to trust in God’s provision and care for us.
When we hold onto our worries and burdens, it becomes challenging to find peace and rest. Sabbath rest is an opportunity to surrender our concerns to God and to find freedom in his grace and love. It’s a time to let go of control and to trust that God is in control.
During this session, we will explore different ways to release our worries and burdens, such as prayer, meditation, and journaling. We will also discuss how to practice mindfulness and how to cultivate an attitude of surrender in our daily lives.
To start, consider taking time to pray and meditate on God’s goodness and provision. Release your worries and fears to him and trust that he will take care of you. Also, practice mindfulness by being present in the moment and focusing on your breathing or the sensations around you. Sabbath rest is a time to let go of control and to find freedom in God’s love and grace.
Session 4: Release
Sabbath rest is not just about physical rest but also about releasing our worries and burdens. It’s about trusting God to take care of our needs and surrendering control. This can be challenging, especially in a culture that values self-reliance and productivity. However, Sabbath rest is an opportunity to let go of our worries and find peace in God’s presence.
During this session, we will explore different ways to release our worries and burdens, such as journaling, prayer, and meditation. We will also discuss the freedom that comes with Sabbath rest and how it can transform our relationship with God and others.
To start, take some time to reflect on the things that are weighing you down. Write them down in a journal or share them with a trusted friend or mentor. Then, ask God to help you release these worries and find peace in His presence. Remember, Sabbath rest is a gift from God, and it’s an opportunity to experience His love and grace.
Session 5: Refresh
The final session of the “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” study focuses on refreshing our bodies, minds, and souls. Sabbath rest is not just about doing nothing but about nurturing ourselves and finding joy in the simple things. It’s an opportunity to explore different forms of rest and relaxation and create a Sabbath routine that works for us.
During this session, we will discuss different ways to refresh ourselves, such as spending time in nature, practicing self-care, and engaging in creative activities. We will also explore how to create a Sabbath routine that works for us, taking into account our unique needs and preferences.
To start, consider trying out different forms of rest and relaxation and finding what works best for you. It could be taking a walk in the park, reading a book, or spending time with friends and family. Also, create a Sabbath routine that works for you, whether it’s starting the day with meditation, attending church, or taking a nap in the afternoon. Remember, Sabbath rest is a gift from God, and it’s an opportunity to refresh our bodies, minds, and souls.