Introduction
In our third week of the 40-day digital detox, we gathered to find encouragement and inspiration on how to better connect with God by intentionally unplugging from our devices. Our focus was articulated in a prayer request that simply asked the Lord to help us rest, to cease our relentless working, worrying, and wanting. Instead, we sought to unplug and delight in His presence. This led us to explore Exodus 20:9-11, where God institutes the Sabbath as a day of rest, setting an example for us to follow in our fast-paced lives.
Main Points
In Exodus 20 One Of The
In Exodus 20, one of the commandments given to us instructs us to take a full day of rest each week. This commandment ties back to the creation narrative where God Himself rested on the seventh day after His work.
- The significance of this Sabbath is profound as it is not merely a suggestion but is central to the rhythm of creation.
- The Lord blessed and hallowed the Sabbath, which establishes a divine mandate for us to reflect on our own work and rest patterns.
- When we neglect this command, we inadvertently place ourselves in opposition to the design God laid out for our lives.
- The rest commanded in the Sabbath goes beyond simply pausing our work; it signifies our liberation from the burdens that once held us captive.
In Deuteronomy The Retelling Of This
In Deuteronomy, the retelling of this command includes the reminder that the Israelites were once slaves in Egypt. By resting, we acknowledge that we have been freed from that bondage.
- This historical context deepens our understanding of rest not just as an escape, but as a remembrance and celebration of our new identity as God’s people who are called to live in.
- In today's context, where our devices often consume our attention and energy, the call for a digital Sabbath becomes crucial.
- The recommendation is to take a full 24-hour digital break from screens, though I encourage you to adapt this practice based on your circumstances.
- For those who find a complete break daunting, consider shorter durations such as eight hours.
The Goal Is Still Substantial To
The goal is still substantial: to intentionally disconnect from the persistent notifications and distractions that perpetuate a cycle of worry and anxiety. Choosing to observe a Sabbath in our digitally saturated lives acts as a form of resistance against a culture that promotes constant availability. The temptations to succumb to a barrage of content and comparison through social media can lead to exhaustion and mental fatigue. Instead, we want to embody a non-anxious presence in the world. By resting, we reject the unending cycle of consumption and reorient ourselves towards what truly matters: communion with God and connection with others. During this time of digital detox, we have an opportunity to fill those hours with activities that nourish our souls.
Engaging In Rest Should Not Mean
Engaging in rest should not mean idleness but rather redirecting our focus to divine pursuits like prayer, family worship, walking in nature, or diving into Scripture. We can use this time to lean into God’s presence, allowing ourselves to be refreshed and rejuvenated by the things that bring us closer to Him. As we disconnect from our devices, we open ourselves to experience the delightful gifts God has provided us. Taking walks, reading a good book, or simply resting in God’s creation can lead to profound encounters with His love and grace. The intention is to use this time to savor the goodness of God and to be filled with the joy that comes from intentional presence, both with Him and with the loved ones around us.
Conclusion
As we continue in this digital detox journey, let's embrace the Sabbath as a divine gift meant to restore and renew us. It beckons us to not only cease from work but also to enter into a deeper relationship with God, celebrating our freedom from the anxieties and pressures that often restrain us. May we see this time as an opportunity to cultivate rest, remembrance, and ultimately, rejuvenation in our walk with the Lord.