7 Joys of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a privilege afforded to us each week, so we can participate in activities that bring us joy. Many view the sabbath as a burden, but they miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the immense joys we can obtain from these sacred hours. Here are seven joys of the sabbath available to anyone who would like to find them.
- Spending time with family and friends:
The Sabbath is often seen as a time to spend with loved ones, whether through a shared meal or special activities. This can be a time to bond and create lasting memories. The Sabbath commandment reminds us that the entire family should observe the Sabbath.
Ex 20: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
- Reflecting on the past week and setting intentions for the next: The Sabbath can be a time to take stock of what has happened in the past week and to set goals or intentions for the coming week.
Gen 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. - Participating in religious activities: For many people, the Sabbath is a time to deepen their connection with God through prayer, worship, or other religious practices. The Bible tells us that both Jesus and David were regular attendees to worship on the sabbath and otherwise.
Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. - Resting and relaxing from the busyness of daily life: The Sabbath is often seen as a time to rest and recharge, away from the demands and pressures of everyday life. It’s a time to take our minds off the things of the world and place them on God.
Isaiah 58:13-14 KJV If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. - Going for a walk or spending time in nature to meet the God of creation: Many people use the Sabbath as an opportunity to get outside and connect with nature, whether it's through a leisurely nature walk or resting by the sea. The sabbath is a commemoration of creation and the creator; it is enshrined in the sabbath commandment like a seal.
Exodus 20:11 KJV: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: - Serving others or volunteering in the community: Many people use the Sabbath as an opportunity to give back to their community through acts of service or volunteering. Jesus was known for healing and doing a lot of good on the sabbath.
Matt 12:12 Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.[13] Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. - Enjoying a lovely meal: Many cultures have special meals or feasts associated with the Sabbath, whether it's a traditional family recipe or a special treat. Jesus shared corn among his disciples on the sabbath, we too can find joy in a simple meal or a potluck lunch Mark 2:23 - And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
These are some of the joys of the sabbath that sabbath keepers have shared for thousands of years. Will you have joy this sabbath?
