SABBATH – Resting in the Lord

Recently I have noticed an increase of stress in my life connected to to-do lists and schedules. I have not been that busy, but some days I have dealt with pressure from others as they drop last-minute, high priority tasks on me and other days I have dealt with the guilt of not spending enough time on important things, like language learning, or connecting with Romanians. As guilt, pressure and stress have built, I have found my instinct has been to withdraw in unhealthy disengagement.

However, last week, a friend from home challenged me to determine a Sabbath – when to take one, and what it would look like. To be honest, I have never consistently observed a Sabbath day – unplugged from the connections and worry of life and the world. I questioned the challenge – was it realistic to expect I could take a Sabbath with everything else going on in life? Wasn’t it irresponsible to ignore important tasks or not answer calls and messages immediately?

And then I realized, I have not been trusting God with the use and control of my time.

Mark 2:27 says “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” God designed us with a need for rest every week. When we never stop, it makes sense for the stress and worries of life to become overwhelming. But what if, by resting one day, we became more productive in the other six? What if, by resting in the Lord, we could be so satisfied and filled up with the Spirit that we just overflowed the rest of the week? The Sabbath is a day designed to bring peace, joy and satisfaction to our lives.

“…if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land…”
[Isaiah 58:13-14]

So over the weekend, I enjoyed a Sabbath. For me, the biggest thing was being free from guilt and worry. I allowed myself to ignore the stressful ‘work’ things and instead just be in the presence of God. It wasn’t about doing nothing or zoning out watching a TV show. It was about doing things I enjoy that help me connect to the Lord. I sat in the morning sunlight, reading and journaling. I went for a walk and enjoyed a bit of autumn. I got out my colored pencils and crayons and tapped into my creative side. It was not a productive day, but it was beautiful and restful.

Taking a Sabbath was the first step. Now I am trusting God with the rest of my week. I am trusting in the rest and satisfaction He gave. I am sure it looks different for each person, but I encourage you to consider how you can rest in the Lord and trust Him with your time.

Life in Romania: A New Transition

I made it. After months of training, preparing, developing partnerships, and just plain waiting, I made it to Draganeşti-Olt, Romania.

As I said my goodbyes and packed my bags, God overwhelmed me with peace. It was not easy leaving the many people I loved, but I was ready for the next step. My time in the States was precious and necessary, but it had been a long transition season; a time of not really knowing how I was supposed to fit in for such a short time. My heart was in Romania and I was looking forward to starting my new life there.

So now the next season has begun but to be honest, I have not been prepared for what it holds. I have been struggling and I realized today that my expectations, while unspoken, were not in line with reality. I thought I was leaving my long transition season to finally feel at home and where I belong. But the truth is, I have entered a new transition season – just on the other side of the ocean.

Let me be clear. I still love Romania and the people here. I love Hope Church and what it stands for. I still know in my heart this is where I am supposed to be.

But it takes time to integrate and learn the language. It takes time to make a place home and find exactly where you belong. This time is just another transition. AND IT IS OK. God did not promise me instant purpose and belonging. God did not promise me speedy language skills. There was no promise this would be easy.

But God does promise that He is with me. He is enough. I have to daily choose to be dependent on Him for my purpose and belonging. I have to live according to His timing, not my own. I have to trust in His plan for my life, even if I cannot see the end result. God is always faithful and good.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

[Joshua 1:9]