Delightful!

It can easily seem as though the world is conspiring against us. Our parents and grandparents were told that automatic this and electric that would make life easier. But in reality, what labor-saving devices have done is give us more time so that we can accomplish more tasks! A washing machine means the family laundry no longer takes half a day to complete, but the time saved is often used to simply do more, which in some ways is good but, in other ways, is not so good.

Former US senator Joe Lieberman wrote a book called The Gift of Rest. The back cover says, “Our bodies and souls were created to rest—regularly—and when they do, we experience heightened productivity, improved health, and more meaningful relationships.”* And in a 2011 interview, he said, “How wonderful it is to stop one day and disconnect all the electronics and just focus in on yourself, your relationship with your family, and God.”† Senator Lieberman, who is Jewish, was referring to the Sabbath day, a day he recommends to people of all faiths.

The response he received from the religious community was very positive because people recognize more and more that it is a good idea to step back from the busyness of life and connect with God. God said in Isaiah 58:13, 14, “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, … Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD.” Society has changed radically in the last half-century or so. We’re busier and more stressed.

We have more stuff, and we’ve drifted from God’s ideal.

But God hasn’t changed. He still offers us the same Sabbath He made for Adam and Eve. Take time to rest with God. Call the Sabbath a delight!