By Amy Hafner

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7

“We’re taking a Sabbath Year from Beautiful Conference.” I remember exactly where I was standing and what I felt when I heard those words. My eyes widened, I think I gasped, and for a moment I felt sadness. I mean it was Beautiful Conference. Yes, it was a lot of work, required a large team, but the fun, the excitement, and most importantly watching God move in extraordinary ways right in front of our eyes. How could we take a year off? 

But in an instant my worry was replaced with one feeling.

Peace.

 In that moment I knew the words spoken to me were not just human words, but the voice of the Holy Spirit. In a culture when busyness is a badge of honor, growth is expected, and getting bigger and shinier is glorified; this direction could have only come from God Himself.

Earlier in the year, I attended a Shabbat dinner at Joy Rocca’s home with some of my Neighborhood group ladies. Not only was the food delicious but we laughed and learned about God’s intent for the Sabbath. For we know, “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” Mark 2:27. In Mark, Jesus reminds us the Sabbath day was meant to be a blessing rather than a burden, it is observed not because it is rule or law, but as a gift to us.

But why?

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:2-3 

God didn’t need to rest, He’s God, but He chose to rest for He chose to delight in His creation and to

Enjoy

Have you ever found yourself striving and working so hard that you don’t take a moment to enjoy what God has done. We can forget to celebrate, to be relational and to just “be” without any expectation.

So how do we celebrate the Sabbath today? The Sabbath isn’t a day off (or a year-off in a Sabbath Year, see Leviticus 25:4) it’s an invitation for rest and worship. This year is a time to strengthen, connect, laugh, cry and be still to let His peace transform you. 

For me here are some things I do to celebrate every week.  

• A worship walk - I go out and walk around my neighborhood blaring worship music, my neighbors may think I’m a little weird because I’m probably dancing and singing a bit, but I always wave and smile
• Take a nap - no explanation needed
• Watch the sunrise and spend extra time in prayer
• Play with my kids - I put away things I need to get done, they’ll be there tomorrow
• Cook a good meal - now cooking was something women weren’t supposed to do during the Sabbath, but I don’t cook everyday and I love to do it with my family, not to mention I love to eat too.

What I try not to do

• Netflix binge
• Run errands
• Make plans
• Scroll on Social Media

I invite you to learn what the Sabbath offers in scripture and ask the Holy Spirit how he wants you to enjoy.. 

At Beautiful we want to rest and worship in 5 ways this year: prayer, community, the Bible, discipleship and missions. While I don’t have time to touch on all of these areas, if you would, join me in prayer and if God moves in your heart in one of these areas, reach out to me or your Women’s Coordinator. 

My prayer this year is that God continues to show more of Himself to us, we find peace in His presence, and we delight in and enjoy knowing that He is with us. 

You can email Amy Hafner at ahafner@gfcflorida.com

Want to learn more about the Sabbath check out:

John Mark Comer : The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Ruth Chou Simmons: When Strivings Cease