We all want to learn to live in grace, to embrace the unforced rhythms of grace and to live freely and lightly in Jesus. (Matt.11: 28-30, MSG) Why then we so often run ourselves out of breath? Why then we so often allow ourselves to go without adequate rest? Why then we so often try to live on our own without consulting the Breath of Life?

If God really became a man and died on the cross and rose on the third day… why are we still living under the law? If God really loves us beyond measure… why do we still live a loveless life? If God really wants to give us rest… why do we still live exhausted? If God really is the Breath of Life and wants to breath life and more life into us… why do we still live joyless lives?

Especially when…
Everything is already done for us to live in grace.
Everything is done for us to live in love.
Everything is done for us to rest in grace.
Everything is done for us to live in joy.
By Jesus.

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery! I’m telling you this because I don’t want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or “the Secret”. (Col. 2: 2-4, MSG)

We are meant to live in the fullness of God. How do you do it? By the grace of God!
How do you live the unforced rhythms of grace? By staying focused on Christ.
How do you stay focused on Christ in the middle of all the craziness around us? By keeping Sabbath. Really.

Sabbath keeping is an essential element in the unforced rhythms of grace. I know there are many Christians that don’t practice Sabbath keeping. I know there are many Christians who are also exhausted, lifeless, and joyless. Usually those who don’t keep Sabbath, who don’t feed themselves with the Word of God, who don’t frequently get refocused on Christ. I can’t emphasize this enough: We can’t make it alone! We can’t keep our faith strong if we do not stick to Jesus. We can’t live in grace if we don’t refuel ourselves with the Holy Spirit. We can’t live freely and lightly on our own. It’s all about God.

Once we learn that we are fully dependent on God and his renewing Spirit we learn to live the unforced rhythms of Grace. A key element in this is Sabbath keeping. We can’t work hard if we don’t get renewed in the Holy Spirit. We can’t play hard if we are not refocused on Christ. We can’t love fearlessly if we are not resting in Father’s arms.

I haven’t always understood the importance of Sabbath keeping. I have not always understood the importance of worship, either. But more I’ve emerged myself into these practices less I can live without them. It is vital to worship with the body of Christ. But Sabbath-keeping (or worship) does not end when we live the sanctuary. Sabbath-keeping means restraining from working and doing anything useful for 24 hrs. I dare you to try this. You will be amazed how blessed you are by doing this.

Every Monday morning I feel like I’d been raised from death. Resurrected into fullness of life. Resurrected into fullness of love. Resurrected into fullness of God. I take that.
Humbly and full of joy.
Humbly and full of life.
Humbly and full of awe.
Humbly and full of grace.
Humbly and full of the Spirit.

Then it’s not a trick to live freely and lightly. It is the Spirit of God living and loving through me. Then it’s not a burden to follow Christ. It is the Spirit of Christ carrying my cross. Then it’s not exhausting to work hard, play hard, and live well. It is the Spirit of Life breathing joyful energy into my being. I take that. How about you?

 

Gracious God,
We come to you as beggars.
You have the words of Eternal life!
Give us our share in the name of Jesus!
Show us how to keep your Sabbath!
Breath in us new life, resurrect us with Jesus!
Live, love, work in us and through us.
Show us what it really means to live in your grace!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Do you practice Sabbath keeping?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you learn the unforced rhythms and flows of grace!

Photo courtesy of Marian Trinidad