This post is last of a series on Sabbath rest. Today we’ll cover some final thoughts and action steps for practicing the Sabbath, including a FREE downloadable guide. Here are the previous posts:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Practicing the Sabbath isn’t Legalistic
Today we are wrapping up the Reshaping Your Rest series with a FREE downloadable worksheet and a few final thoughts. The worksheet will walk you through assessing how you currently spend your “day of rest,” auditing your Sabbath activities and an action plan for creating a Sabbath that is both holy to the Lord and refreshing to you.
Best of all, our God cares more about our heart posture than our actions.
It’s easy to let our Sabbath rest become something legalistic. To lay out a list of things we are prohibited from doing. That’s missing the point. The Sabbath is a gift from God, Mark 2:27. (More verses on the Sabbath here.) It’s not meant to be drudgery. It’s not meant to enslave us. (Great commentaries and study resources here.)
The Sabbath is a day of rest and freedom. A day to look back and remember what God has done, enjoy the present and the place God has brought us to, and look forward to a future when things will be perfect and we will truly rest in paradise. The Sabbath doesn’t require us to be stagnant or mindless. (More on symbolism of the Sabbath in Part I and Part II.)
Your Sabbath May Look Different Than Mine.
The way you observe the Sabbath should be obtainable in your own house. In order to keep the day holy (literally: set apart), you need to be able to execute it and enjoy it. Having a Sabbath plan will do you little use if it’s an unobtainable ideal. That will eventually stir up guilt and exhaustion as you strive for rest. As you consider Sabbath rest for your own household keep it simple. (Here are some of my takeaways for inspiration.)
Your day of rest may look different than mine. And that’s okay.
Make a Plan for Practicing the Sabbath in Your Home
This is broken down in greater detail in the worksheet, but here are the steps our house took to Reshape Our Rest.
Prayerfully consider the Sabbath. Ask God to open our hearts to the truth of what He desires our rest to look like. Thank God for inviting us into the Sabbath. Repent of disobedience.
Choose a day that will be our Day of Rest.
Discuss what a “regular” work day looks like. Since the Sabbath should be “set apart” our rest day needs to look different than a work day.
Discuss what feels laborious or oppressive, like work to each of us.
Examine how we currently spend time on the Sabbath.
Filter activities through what Scripture says about the Sabbath.
Brainstorm what activities are acceptable and enjoyable for us on the Sabbath. Again, drawing from Scripture.
Create an action plan of what needs to be done before the Sabbath in order for us to enjoy and observe the Sabbath. This takes a little intentionality and forethought.
Our Sabbath Plan
If this still feels overwhelming I’ll give you an example. We decided to be intentional about the Sabbath over the past year. Previously our day of rest had no plan. Things felt unanchored. Sometimes stressful. Sometimes lonely, if we were busy with our own tasks and “unable” to enjoy our family together. Once in a while, resentful if I perceived that I wasn’t getting the rest I so desperately craved after a long week.
Communication has been key to reshaping our rest. Understanding what is burning us out, what brings refreshment to our family, and how we each effectively commune with God guided our plan.
Practicing the Sabbath looks a little different each week, but we prepare, communicate and examine our hearts before we step into our day of rest. Here are things we do or prioritize on our Sabbath:
Church
Pursue fellowship/edifying conservation/community outside the walls of the church.
Time doing something fun as a family.
For me, working on a house projects. It’s a time when I feel close to God and inspired by Him. **However, if projects become something I’m stressed about or burdened by, I do NOT work on them during the Sabbath. Instead I offer my concerns and stress over getting things done as a sacrifice to God. I choose to trust Him that the work will get done–and enjoy my day.
For Derek, working in the yard or taking care of a few things around the house is refreshing. He is joyful as he provides for our family in ways he cannot during the regular work week.
For Derek, intentional one-on-one time with Gideon is important during his Sabbath. For me, it’s important to step away from Gideon for a bit and have a little time to do something quietly alone.
Now It’s Your Turn
You can get the worksheet for intentionally reshaping your Sabbath over in the resource library. It’s totally FREE. It will walk you through the process we’ve used to set apart our Sabbath as a holy day to God.
For more intentional living, Bible geekery and daily motivation to walk in faith, be sure to join the community on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to get to know you. Or, sign up for my emails (below), and you’ll get new posts straight to your inbox. Thanks for being here, friends.
Reshaping Your Rest:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Today I’m happy to bring you part III of the Reshaping Your Rest series. For once, I’ll be piping down to let others do the talking. I’m sharing a few commentaries and resources that have helped me further understand what setting apart a day of rest really means.
All posts in the series are right here:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
An Overview of the Sabbath
Do you know the Bible Project? If you don’t, get to know them. I’m a HUGE fan of their work. They produce great, short videos that cover all kinds of Biblical topics. (I’m especially fond of their videos that give a “nutshell” perspective on each book of the Bible. Those are great for anyone, but especially families and young students of the Word.)
Anyway, the Bible Project has a great video on the Sabbath and its origins.
If a few things went too fast, or you’d rather read than watch, see this quick article. It links up all the verse references used in the video.
Is the Sabbath Still Relevant Today?
Is keeping the Sabbath still something relevant to the modern church? This is an excellent question. And while we’re talking about the Bible Project–here is an excellent article that covers a wide range of questions about keeping the Sabbath. (Excerpt below.)
Jesus reminded the people of God’s actual intent for the Sabbath: unity with God, creation, and each other that was first found in Eden on page one of the Bible. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was about mercy and was purposeful. It was supposed to point to him, the one promised through all of Israel’s prophets, the one who would restore the rhythm of creation.
When followers of Jesus observe the Sabbath, we live as if this restoration has already taken place. We take a break from the broken rhythms of hustle and hardship to set aside a time of submission to his rule and enjoyment of his presence and to extend these things to the world around us. When we observe the Sabbath well, we become little resting places of God’s presence.
…As followers of Jesus, we aren’t required to follow the laws given to Israel by God exactly. These were given at a specific time to a specific people group for a specific purpose. Yet the wisdom of those laws is enduring, and the law of the Sabbath is pure gold. It is not a commandment we are bound to; it’s a promise we’re invited to.
Sometimes looking into the meanings of specific words used in the Bible can help glean a deeper understanding of what the text is meant to communicate. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. Here are a few Hebrew and Greek words I found helpful for understanding the Sabbath as I studied.
How to read interlinear references:
If you’ve never Bible geeked out over an interlinear reference, this could be your first time. At the top is the word we are studying. Next is a section of definitions and uses. At the bottom is concordance results. This is a list of every verse in the Bible that uses the word we are looking at.
**Always remember to read in context and apply the definition as meant by the author. The Word is powerful. We should read to find truth–not arguments that support our own opinions and ideas.**
Shabath: First seen in Genesis 2. This is the word used to describe how God rested on the seventh day.
Nuwach: To rest or settle down. This word has the connotation of comfort, being placed in order, knowing your place and being able to rest securely. (Missy Takano also covers nuwach in her article.)
Shabbath: The word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath.
Sabbaton: The Greek word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath in the New Testament.
Katapausis: A calming of the winds, a resting place. This word is used primarily in Hebrews 4–describing the rest of God.
Be diligent to enter that rest: The rest is there, but God does not force it upon us. We must enter that rest. Clearly, the rest is entered by faith; but it takes diligent faith. This shows us that faith is not passive; it takes diligence to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus and His work for us.
This directs us to contrive family affairs, so that they may hinder us as little as possible in the work of the sabbath. Works of necessity are to be done on that day; but it is desirable to have as little as may be to do, that we may apply ourselves the more closely to prepare for the life that is to come.
Get Ready to Reshape Your Rest by Keeping the Sabbath
Next week we’ll wrap up our Sabbath series. I’ve got a quick study guide and worksheet for you that will help you reshape your own rest–and more fully align it with the rest God wants to give us.
Until then, I’d love to get to know you! Join me on Instagram or Facebook to connect with me and a growing community committed to striving to live intentionally, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens. I post *almost* daily encouragement and devotionals–and you can get a behind the scenes look at what I do when I’m not writing in my stories. You can also connect by subscribing to my emails. You’ll be notified every time a new post comes out and have access to the resource library!
As always, thanks for being here. If this series is teaching you or touching your heart, I’d love to hear from you–and I’d love if you shared with friends to help grow this sweet, encouraging corner of the Internet.
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Welcome back to the Reshaping Your Rest series. Today we will dive into 10 key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath.
Here are all the posts in this series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
The Right Mindset About The Sabbath
The thought I keep coming back to is that God tells us it is a sacrifice to deny ourselves the work we think needs to get done. We created in God’s image. God Himself is a creator and worker. It’s natural for us to work, to have goals, to want to achieve.
The trouble is that those things can become idols. Something we value higher than God’s command to “honor the Sabbath.” Something we think is more important than slowing down, putting aside and obeying.
At first, the idea of a day of rest viewed as a “sacrifice” seems counterintuitive. But it doesn’t take too much thought to connect the two. Especially in our material, secular-success driven culture.
Key Bible Verses for Understanding the Sabbath.
Here are 10 verses/passages that have helped me understand Sabbath rest, as seen from a Biblical perspective.
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Ex 31:17
Key takeaways: God rested. We are to emulate God in all we do. God was refreshed after He rested. How much more will we be refreshed after true rest? Also, just because “He rested…” doesn’t mean God stopped working, caring, or being relational. Likewise, our Sabbath rest should be a rest from work–but not a complete halt to life, relationships or doing Kingdom work.
You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. Ex 34:21
Key takeaways: Being in a “busy” season or needing to get things done is not an excuse for neglecting the Sabbath.
This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselvesand not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you— because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance. Leviticus 16:29-31
Key takeaways: Laying work aside is to sacrifice and deny ourselves. God has already done (and will do) the important work of atonement. (Note: in context this verse pertains to an annual celebration of atonement–not just a traditional weekly Sabbath.)
…but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. Deut 5:14-15
Key takeaways: Sabbath rest means refraining from traditional work and reflecting where we’ve come with God’s aid. We should also respect others’ right to observe Sabbath rest.
Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy. Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws—by which the person who obeys them will live—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the wilderness. Ezk 20:12-13
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift and sign from God for us. Observing the Sabbath illustrates our trust in God. God is passionate about the Sabbath. He is hurt when it is not observed and honored.
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Matt 12:12
Key takeaways: Observing Sabbath rest is not an excuse to not do good, be kind, do Godly work, or be helpful to others. (See Matthew 12:9-14 for more context.)
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift for us. Something God made for us.
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. Luke 23:54-24:1
Key takeaways: This is a great passage for understanding proper reverence for the Sabbath. It takes intentionality and self-discipline to observe the Sabbath. If the work of these women can be put on hold to honor the Sabbath, our work can also wait.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15
Key takeaways: Fellowship, teaching, fulfilling the great commission, being outdoors, prayer and building relationships are all welcome on the Sabbath.
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:4
Key takeaways: Do not use the Sabbath as an excuse to lay around idly or to fill your mind with idle thoughts. New Testament examples of activity on the Sabbath include using spiritual gifts, fellowship, building relationship, teaching, sharing our witness and reflecting with others.
Start Reshaping Your Rest With These Verses and Passages
These Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath are a great place to start reshaping your own rest. Read them, pray over them. Dig deeper by seeing what else Scripture has to say about the Sabbath. (To get you started I ran a quick search for every reference to “Sabbath” on BlueLetterBible.org.)
As you study, remember to think critically about what Scripture is saying. What does the text say? Who does it affect? What actions are taking place? What are the consequences or God’s opinion on those actions? Specifically, what does each verse teach you about who God is and what His character is like?
And, don’t forget to read verses in context to get an accurate understanding of the true meaning of the text.
Coming Up in the Reshaping Your Rest Series
We’ve looked at some background and key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath. Next week, I’ll be sharing resources, commentaries, and a little Hebrew that will help you understand the rest God wants to give us even more deeply. Then, we’ll finish up with a worksheet that will help you intentionally reshape how you accept this gift from God.
In the meantime, I’d love to get to know you better, by connecting with you on Instagram and Facebook. There, you’ll find a community striving to live intentionally, while viewing life through a Christ’s Kingdom lens. You’ll also get daily inspiration and motivation for living intentionally with a Kingdom mindset (and fun anecdotes and mishaps from my home.) If this series is hitting your heart, I’d love if you shared. If you’d like to get all the latest posts straight to your inbox, just sign up below!
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
This is the first installment of a series on the Sabbath. Here are all the posts in the series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
I just got back from vacation. It was nice, relaxing. All the things you want a little time away to be. But there was something deeper going on in me. I’ve been thinking about rest. Real rest. Something we can all relate to (and many of us struggle with.)
Weeks ago, toward the beginning of the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge, I started turning over the idea of Sabbath rest. Every time I read anything about the Sabbath my heart skipped a beat, the verse became ingrained in my mind. I thought about it through the day. I brought it up with my husband in the evening. This felt like a call to deepen my understanding and change my patterns.
Vacation forced me to set aside work. And allowed me to set aside lots of things that feel like work. This seemed like the ideal time to share what I’ve been learning at start fresh, when it comes to true Sabbath rest.
The Challenge is nearly over. And I’ve been surprised how often Sabbath rest comes up, and how serious God takes it.
I want to be more intentional about observing the Sabbath. As a family, we’ve started to intentionally act on what the Bible tells us about how to take a Sabbath Rest–but I still have a ways to go. Luckily, God sees the heart. He knows I’m earnestly trying to do better, to enter into the rest He wants me to have.
A New Understanding of Sabbath Rest
Until recently I have never attempted to fully understand the Sabbath. However, I’ve spent a lot of my extra time cross referencing and burrowing into what the Bible says about Sabbath rest. I’ve read verses, revisited chapters, looked at commentaries, and prayed.
I’ve learned a lot. This is a practice introduced at the beginning of the Bible and continues through the New Testament. When Israel falls short or turns her back on God–and God becomes angry–He almost always cites neglect of the Sabbath as one of their infractions.
Interesting right?
Obviously, this is close to His heart. Yet, I think it’s one of the most overlooked commandments in our culture today. We are taught not to have other gods, murder, worship idols, steal, commit adultery, covet, or bear false witness. We know we are supposed to honor our parents and never use the Lord’s name in vain. But when it comes to the Sabbath, we can be surprisingly blasé.
Honoring the Sabbath almost seems like a forgotten commandment.
As I’ve studied, I’ve fallen in love with God’s design for Sabbath rest. It’s beautifully simple, yet so profound it sets our God apart from all others. A sacred day of rest was unique to Israel, a gift from her God. Other Ancient Near Eastern religions and gods did no such thing.
The Sabbath is beautifully symbolic. It symbolizes God’s good-will and care for mankind. By observing it, we show our trust in His care. By setting aside work, we demonstrate an understanding that we are not saved by works–God grace is enough and Christ accomplished the work on the cross.
I could chat for days about how beautiful the Sabbath is. But I’ll let you do some critical thinking of your own.
Some of My Sabbath Takeaways
The idea of “self care” is so hot right now. It seems like everywhere I look I see suggestions and social media posts with ideas for self care. Don’t get me wrong. Self care is fun–and important. But don’t confuse it with the Sabbath. Sabbath rest is deeper and sweeter. Sabbath rest looks outward–turning our eyes toward God, others in need, and expanding the kingdom. In no way is taking Sabbath rest a selfish pursuit. I’m excited to share more with you next week.
First, here are my own bullet points summarizing my new understanding of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is important and dear to God’s heart, therefore it should be important and dear to our hearts as well.
A day of rest refreshed God. How much more will it refresh me?
The Sabbath is a type of sacrifice. We are to intentionally choose to refrain from work and choose rest. This shows devotion to God and trust that He will provide time and means for our work to be completed–despite sacrificing time away from work to Him.
The Sabbath is metaphorical. Refraining from work and choosing rest is an outward symbol that our works do not earn us favor with God. Christ did the only work that really mattered, and He finished it on the cross.
Sabbath rest is not an excuse to be lazy and binge watch TV. It is not an excuse to be unkind or avoid helping others. The Sabbath is a time to turn our minds to God-honoring thoughts and our hands to God-honoring activities. This means, if I’d be uncomfortable committing an act to the Lord, or partaking in an activity with Jesus in the room–it shouldn’t be done on the Sabbath.
Fellowship, teaching, reflection, enjoying nature, enjoying God’s provision, sharing your experiences with God with others, cultivating relationships…(the list goes on) are all welcome during a day of Sabbath rest.
Observing Sabbath (and gleaning the benefits God wants us to have from it) takes intentionality and practice. Create a plan for how you will observe the Sabbath and get your family on board.
Start Reshaping Your Sabbath Today
Next week we’ll be exploring verses that explain the Sabbath, but I encourage you to start reshaping your take on the Sabbath today. Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with reflection. Here are a couple ideas.
Are you exhausted? Does the word “refreshed” make your soul leap? Do you feel weary?
How do you currently observe the Sabbath? Is it just about church, or is there something deeper happening?
Pray that God would open your eyes and heart to what He wants the Sabbath to look like in your life and home. Ask God to give you a teachable heart and a discerning mind as you reexamine rest. Start a conversation in your home about Sabbath rest.
Coming Up: More on How to Take a Sabbath Rest
Next week I’ll be sharing 10 verses/passages that have reshaped the way I view Sabbath rest. Here are all the posts in the series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
In the meantime, I hope you’ll start thinking about how you can take a Sabbath rest. I’d love to have you share this if it touched your heart today–and I’d love to get to know you personally by connecting on Instagram and Facebook. There you’ll find daily encouragement and a community of others striving to live life with intentionality, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens.
Once upon a time I was drawn like a moth to a flame when it came to spiritual gift assessments. I wanted so badly to understand my God given gifts and what they meant for my life. It took years of learning and letting go of some selfish ambition to understand that God offers our souls big freedom when we let go of the list and grab onto His purpose.
Trying to understand my God given gifts left me confused. I did lots of things and had lots of skills–but what was my gift? What job did God have for me to do?
Answering the Question: What Do You Do?
I spent a lot of time during my early Christian walk stressing about spiritual gifts. I’d eagerly take the spiritual gift tests. Anxiously read the descriptions in the inventory–hoping I’d fit in somewhere.
But often the test came back inconclusive. I’d measure equally for multiple gifts and nothing really stood out.
This mirrored real life where I had lots of interests and talent, but no one clear direction. Much of my life (both adolescent and adult) was spent searching for what I should b doing. What was my calling? What career should I pursue? Why didn’t any of my God given gifts bring in an income? How would I ever have a respectable answer to my least favorite question, “What do you do?”
I’m a mixed bag of tricks. Comfortable in the throws of a remodel. Speak contractor lingo fluently. Happy in the church kitchen. Loves dinner parties and formal holiday gatherings. Fearless of public speaking. Chronically curious. Fast learner. Skill gatherer. It’s all very mixed up and incongruous. Where did that leave me? Where would I ever fit? What gift label applied to me?
The time spent grappling to understand the gifts God had given me felt like wandering around in the dark. Why did it seem like everyone else had a path that fit them? Instead of walking in freedom, I a slave to comparison. Comparing my walk to others’. Comparing my (nonexistent) income to others’. I was sure that God had given me gifts, but I didn’t see them.
If I was good at so many things, why didn’t any of it amount to success? Why didn’t I have a “real job?” Or a “real” paycheck?
Maybe one or two of you can relate.
Clarity on God Given Gifts
Years later, I was honest with God about this struggle to find worth in career and my confusion about my God given gifts. He provided clarity to me. This week when reading from Exodus for the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge intersected with a study of Ephesians I remembered my years of turmoil over God given gifts.
Spiritual Gifts in Ephesians
In Ephesians Paul lists out several “spiritual gifts” given to the Church. (This is one of the passages often quoted during my spiritual gift test exercises.)
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers…
I looked at the list. Options of gifts that I might have. (Also in 1 Cor 12, Rom 12.) Wondering which ones I was given. Thinking if only I could figure out my gifts, I’d be more fit to serve, more capable of finding a “real job,” more content in my own life.
The Purpose of Our God Given Gifts
But the freeing truth God showed me isn’t in the list. Let’s look at the complete sentence from Ephesians 4. (Emphasis mine.)
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13
What my selfish heart overlooked during those early years of searching for purpose was right there all along. It’s not about the list. It’s about the purpose.
The purpose of our God given gifts is equipping other believers for their service. Building (both encouraging and expanding) the Church. And–Our gifts are to be employed until we all attain unity of faith, knowledge of Jesus and the “body of Christ” grows into a mature man.
We are free to use our gifts in any way they manifest, as long as serve this purpose. God doesn’t require our gifts to gain fame, define our career or even pay the bills. Changing our mindset makes us free to live and serve joyfully–instead of feeling like a failure because our gifts don’t fit or aren’t in the career aptitude test.
Gifts in Exodus
Exodus lists lots of other specific gifts given to craftsmen while they are building the tabernacle. Perfumers, those who work with gold, weavers, builders…The jobs listed are extensive, but Scripture is clear that all of these gifts are given from God. (Emphasis mine.)
Moses continued, “So Bezalel and Oholiab will do the work as the Lord has commanded. They will do this with the help of every other craftsman to whom the Lord has given the necessary skills and talents. They will know how to do all the work for constructing the holy place.”
Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every other craftsman to whom the Lord had given these skills and who was willing to come and do the work.
I was hoping to be put in a box, given a label–all so I could serve my own interests. I wanted to put my gifts to use for myself. But really–God’s purpose for our gifts (whatever they may be) is to serve others and build His body up.
I thought I needed to find a gift that fit from a list on a test. But really–all our interests, natural inclinations and abilities are from God, to be used for His glory.
Don’t be frustrated because you don’t do it all or wish you were like someone else. The unique makeup of YOU is evidence that you were designed intentionally by an intelligent God.
Don’t be fooled by the lie that God is hiding your purpose. Making His will difficult to find and easy to overlook. I thought to “find God’s will for me,” meant knowing my gifts and exactly how to employ them in a career.
Gifts can look many different ways. A gift can manifest in the ability to preach before a congregation or weave beautiful tapestries. No matter what the gift is, the purpose is more important than the gift itself.
Friends, you are gifted. But we are called to turn those gifts outward. Remove the stress and burden of figuring out how to use your gifts to further yourself–instead, employ them the way God intended. To equip others for work and build the church until we attain unity of faith and the body of Christ grows into a mature man. When you reshape your mindset, you will find that your heart has room to breathe and you feel more free to use your giftings to their fullest.
Join Our Community
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I’m so glad you’re here. Today I’m sharing an “everyday devotional.” An anecdote from life, seen through a Christ’s-Kingdom lens. Grab your coffee (or beverage of choice) and join me as we explore God’s boundaries for us…as inspired by a defiant toddler attending church service.
Returning to “Regular” Church
Recently our church reopened for in-person services. There have been lots of changes and precautions implemented.
Of all the changes that our church has put in place, our family is most affected by the temporary closure of children’s church. Gideon, who used to play happily with his friends during the service is now sitting in church with us. Mind you–I’m using the term “sitting” very loosely.
Our church family has extended lots of grace to families with little ones. No one is cranky or exasperated with restless kids. We’re all just happy to be together again.
Toddler Boundaries
But here’s the thing.
After about 30 minutes Gideon becomes restless. His little body just can’t be still for the entire length of the service. I understand.
Our family sits in chairs against the back wall of the sanctuary. There is a large gap between our seats and the last pew. We do this strategically so Gideon can have space to move around when he gets wiggly.
It’s a big area for a little guy. But it’s still not enough. He is old enough to understand simple boundaries we set for him. In the sanctuary, I tell him he can go anywhere on the blue carpet (basically, anywhere in the sanctuary.) No climbing the stairs, no crossing the threshold to the lobby. Lots of his favorite people are in the room with us. They’d love a walk by visit from Gideon.
I know he understands. But it’s still not enough.
Toeing the Line
Even though he has plenty of space to walk around, he heads directly for the threshold of the sanctuary, where a black strip separates blue carpet from gray. He literally puts his toes on the line, squats down and looks back at me with a gleam in his eye. (Please tell me someone else can relate to this.)
He knows the boundary, but he can’t resist pushing it. I call him back. Or carry him back. Next he may go to the base of the stairs. He’ll climb the first stair and give me “the look.” All this repeats over and over.
Considering God’s Boundaries and Will For Us
As I continued to repeatedly retrieve him from the edges of our boundaries it occurred to me: this is something I do with God. This is something humanity has always done. The safety of God’s will is a wide, wonderful place. Lots of our favorite people are here. There is plenty to do. Plenty of space to wander and explore.
But often we still behave as if it’s not enough.
We can be fooled into thinking that God’s will is a narrow and dull corridor. That it is specific to the point of being confusing or hard to find.
This isn’t true.
The Bible has lots to say about God’s will. Instead of a dark, confining closet, the Word shows us that God’s will and boundaries are more like a vast land preserve. Plenty of space, lots to see and do. Just stay inside the protected land–the boundary is there for our benefit. (John 6:40 is one of my favorite examples of what the Bible specifically says about God’s will. Here is a list of verses pertaining to God’s will.)
Kind of like…Go anywhere on the blue carpet.
But how often do we (do I) immediately head for the black line separating blue from gray and look back at God with a gleam in my eye. Surely this is okay. Surely putting my toes across the line is okay. What about one step into the gray?
Loud is the lie that God’s boundaries are restrictive, stealing our freedom. The truth is, God’s boundaries give us real freedom. Freedom to live in intimacy with our Creator. Freedom to focus on what matters. Staying within God’s will means we have freedom from the bonds of sin and death. We are free to truly live. (More on the freedom God gives us here.)
God’s Grace When We Cross the Line
Let’s not forget about God’s goodness and grace toward us when we push the boundary or cross the line. (Here are more verses about asking God for help.)
For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.
How many times does God lovingly retrieve me? How many times does He remind me of the boundaries of His will? Even more, how much time has He spent holding my hand, helping me resist the temptation to cross the line?
Just as I continue to remind Gideon that he has plenty of space, God has reminded me over and over that His will is the right place. In the same way that I explain that our boundaries keep Gideon safe, God tells us the boundaries of His will are designed to keep us safe too.
Inevitably, Gideon crosses the line. He leaves the sanctuary and heads to the gray-carpeted lobby. Sometimes it’s only a step and a mischievous look. Sometimes it’s a full sprint through the lobby, headed straight for the open door to the parking lot. Or the stairs to the lower level.
I go after Him every time.
God does the same for us. When we cross the line, He is faithful to call us back. Even when we wander far, He is faithful to take our willing hand and lead us back inside His will.
Trusting God’s Boundaries
Loud is the lie that God’s boundaries for us steal our freedom. With time and spiritual maturity, we will begin to trust God to set our limits.
Really, it boils down to trust. Don’t you think? Gideon needs to learn to trust us to set boundaries for him. We need to trust God to set boundaries for us. Ideally someday Gideon will understand that Derek and I see a little farther, know a little more, and want him to thrive.
As we mature in faith we will grow in our trust for God. Trusting that He sees farther, knows more, and sets boundaries for our good. He wants us to thrive.
Friends, learning to stay close to God and trust Him to set our boundaries takes discipline. And practice. It may never be a perfect science. But God will always be faithful to help us resist the temptation to cross the line. Or help us back once we’ve crossed.
I hope this has encouraged your heart today. If it has, I’d love if you shared or commented. For more everyday devotionals and encouragement, join me on Facebook or Instagram. There you’ll find a growing community striving to live intentionally, while viewing life through a Christ’s-Kingdom lens.
Thanks for joining me. Today I’m sharing a topic that’s been on my heart for many months. This seems like the ideal time to finally put the proverbial pen to paper and write it down. I’m talking about the difference between happiness and joy. Too often we use these words interchangeably. However, the Bible shows us that there is a real and important difference between happiness and joy.
Unhappiness Is Easy
There’s a lot to be unhappy about right now. We are living through unusually hard times. Work looks different. School looks different. Relationships look different. Worship, ministry, connection, and routine all look different and unfamiliar right now.
Unhappiness is easy. And happiness is an easy goal to set–but not an easy goal to achieve. It’s so easy to say, “I just want to be happy…” Or, “I’d be happy if…” (I’m very guilty of the latter.) All too often things come up and get in the way of our happiness. Because happiness is tightly tethered to what is happening around us, happiness often rests on things out of our control.
Given the fallen state of our world and an often engrained sense of entitlement, unhappiness and discontentment can be the state we naturally gravitate toward. Unhappiness is something we commiserate over together. It brings us together, it’s common ground where otherwise there might be none.
I’m sure you’ve seen this happen. A group doesn’t know what to talk about, so they pick a safe topic–something everyone despises. Then one person offers up a terrible experience. The next commiserates and adds his own “one up” on the terribleness. And so it goes. On and on and on.
I call this negative camaraderie. It’s a social trap I truly loathe. But an easy trap to fall into nonetheless.
Unpleasant and Unideal Circumstances
I’ve faced a lot of unpleasant circumstances in the last year. Things that caused grief, pain, fear and anxiety kept coming up. (But don’t they always, and isn’t this true for all of us?) Because of this I’ve spent months simmering on the difference between joy and happiness.
As many of you know I spent many years grappling with cyclical depression and anxiety. I finally allowed God to penetrate that stronghold in my life about five years ago. Since then, I’ve seen a miraculous shift in my life. It’s taken a lot of time to heal and practice living in a state of victory over anxiety and depression, but slowly–this has become a new, normal pattern for me.
Over the last year as obstacles and unwelcome news cropped up I keenly noticed a distinct separation between my happiness and joyfulness. And friends, let me assure you–I’m nothing special. If God can draw this line in my heart, He can draw it in yours too.
The Week I Discovered the Difference Between Happiness and Joy
One instance in particular makes this difference so clear.
If you follow along on Instagram (and you totally should, because then we can be even better friends) you might remember that horrific week I spent in Rapid City getting our AirBnB transitioned to a long-term rental. (If you missed it, you can watch the whole saga in my Instagram Highlights.) Alone with an 18 month old, over the course of the week I was met with a mouse infestation, a huge waste leak in the basement, yellow jackets living in the walls, snakes under the deck, issues with the moving van, and a horrible smell that turned out to be poop stuck in a plunger.
Day after day a new, unpleasant circumstance arose. But every day my heart was calm, unshaken, capable, still fully focused on Christ and able to tell of His goodness. I saw humor in the circumstances and understood on a new level exactly what Proverbs 31:25 can mean about “laughing at the future.” No fear of what terrible situation (or smell) the next day would reveal–only the ability to have joy and peace. Because my joy is no longer harnessed to my happiness.
Let me attest. There is a difference between happiness and joy. In today’s unpleasant circumstances it’s more important than ever to claim victory and claim joy.
The Difference Between Happiness and Joy in the Bible
The Bible tells us that joy is a natural product of a life lived in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Too often, I talk to fellow believers who tell me they are struggling to feel joyful. It’s not happening naturally. Are they doing something wrong in their spiritual walk?
There may be lots of things clogging up our joy tube. For a long time, mine was stuffed with lies. (Read about my journey with lies here.) But part of the problem may have to do with our etymology–they way we understand words.
I think we (we means me, too) too easily interchange the words happy and joy in our thinking and speech. We shouldn’t exchange these words lightly, because there is a difference between the two. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say.
The Bible has a lot to say about joy. The word “joy” is translated 182 times throughout Scripture. Meanwhile, the word “happy” only shows up 15 times. I believe that Scripture is God-breathed and therefore, each and every word is important and intentional. Since “joy” in used so many times, we can surmise that joy is important to God and He has a lot to tell us about it.
While the Bible doesn’t have a specific verse that explains the difference between happiness and joy, reading the verses where these words appear teaches us to differentiate between the two.
1. The Biggest Difference is Circumstance
The key difference between happiness and joy that I discovered is the circumstances in which each word is used. Happiness is usually used to describe a circumstance, or correlates to an event that has yielded positive results.
Greek and Hebrew words used in Scripture translated into our English “happy” are closely tied to circumstances as well. Their definitions encompass meanings like pleasant, agreeable, prosperous, benefit, blessedness, to make glad, to be glad, pleasing, and fortunate. (You can find out more by using the interlinear on these verses.)
So the LORD God appointed aplant and it grew up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to deliver him from his discomfort. And Jonah was extremely happy about the plant.
Jonah 4:6
Joy is God (Spirit) Generated
While happiness is an emotion that can be evoked by good fortune, joy is generated through a much more reliable means: God Himself.
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:7-8
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:22-23
Unlike happiness, which rests on a shifting surface of circumstance, joy rests on God. When we trust God’s promises and hope, we can experience His joy in all circumstances. When joy from God is our goal, we can stand in peace and contentment, even during the days that bring tears to our eyes. If happiness is our goal, our bodies and minds will wear out from pursuing something that doesn’t last.
Joy Is Not Restricted to Pleasant Circumstances
While “joy” can be used in happy, pleasant circumstances, its meaning is richer. Typically, if it has to do with an event, it’s an event recognizably brought about by God.
However, in times of unhappiness, joy is still present. This is especially clear in the letters from Paul. Paul often wrote while enduring hardship, or to groups who were facing hardship themselves. Yet his letters are full of verses regarding joy.
A Christian’s ability to experience joy, even amidst a trial is one of our greatest tools of evangelism and pointing the world to God’s goodness and truth.
Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.
2 Cor 7:4
Joy Has an Overflowing Quality
In the Bible words translated to our English word “joy” have meaning that indicate an overflowing quality: to sound a glad alarm, to sing praise, rejoice, exultation, extreme gladness. The type of inner happiness that can’t be held in.
Scripture is full of verses about “shouting for joy,” “singing for joy,” “making a joyful noise.” While happiness can be soaked up quickly, joy exudes and pours out.
Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.
Psalm 81:1
Claim Joy
There are other differences (and similarities for that matter) between joy and happiness. But this is a start. My point is this, let’s not make happiness our goal. When we hold that goal up to our very big God–who has saved us, redeemed us, defends us and is going to set all things right again–happiness seems like a small goal. God is not going to guarantee our happiness right now.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Instead He assures us that we can overcome unhappiness with our joy and peace intact. He supplies and resupplies joy for us. Isn’t that a better goal, and a bigger miracle, anyway?
Dig in for yourself. Here are the uses of happy in Scripture and here are the uses of joy. What can you learn? How can you be cultivating a heart of joy, instead of a heart longing for happiness?
Welcome to the last post in the godly goals series–it’s all about what it mans to work for the Lord. I’ve had such a sweet time digging into what the Bible has to say about goals and working toward them. In case you’ve missed a post–I’ve linked them all here:
The previous posts will explain the premise of this series. Today we’ll just dive in. The last “goal-y” word we are going to examine is “Labor/Work.” When we think about goal setting it’s hard not to think about work. These words will help us see what it looks like to work for the Lord.
Ergon
Ergon: business, employment, that which any one is occupied
We’ll start our discussion of doing work for the Lord with a straightforward word. Ergon directly correlates to our modern understanding of “job.” When it comes to goals–our career ambitions (keep last week’s discussion of ambition in mind) tend to be near the top of the list. This is especially true when I speak with young adults leaving high school, or in the throws of deciding “what to do” with their life.
While I cannot give tell you what type of career you should pursue. I can point you to Scripture. Throughout the Bible, God tells us what His will looks like and what He wants us to focus on. He doesn’t tell us specifically to be a nurse or a designer, but He does tell us to love Him, cultivate peace, love each other and tell others about the Salvation Jesus offers. If you are running after godly goals, you are pursing God’s work–no matter what your 9-5 might be.
In addition to describing jobs/tasks, Ergon can also mean deeds that we work at and “works” of art. This word is used well over 100 times throughout the New Testament. For this study, we are looking specifically at how ergon is used to describe jobs/tasks. (If you are interested in its other uses, follow this link to see the concordance page with all of its uses.)
The Work of the Lord
Many of the verses below reference “the work of the Lord.” This primarily refers to the work God has for all believers. There are many references to this type of work that can give us specifics–but Jesus summed it up with the Great Commission.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
Our godly goals should ultimately align with Jesus’ commission to us. No matter what we are working at, everything should point back to Jesus, the Christ, our Savior. As you work for the Lord your day-to-day work may look different than mine. Together as members of the “body of Christ” we are all working toward this common goal.
Ergon in Scripture
Now that we’ve got an understanding of the word, let’s see how ergon is used in the Bible and what it teaches us about our duty to work for the Lord. The word translated from “ergon” is in bold in the verses.
God is glorified when we complete the tasks He gives us. Some God-given works are able to be completed. (Be sure to understand this verse in context as the speaker is Jesus Himself. See the full chapter here.)
I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
Godly work can be collaborative. When carrying out godly goals and work, we should us discretion about partnerships.
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.
We should be all-in when pursuing godly work. When we work at godly goals, our labor is not in vain.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Kopiaō occurs in the New Testament 28 times. Whereas ergon refers to something more akin to employment or a job, kopiaō speaks of the effort and toll working can take on us.
Kopiaō describes the utter fatigue labor can bring onto us. It’s usually used in the realm of physical exhaustion–being spent after an outpouring of effort.
Kopiaō is something I relate to every day as I drag myself out of bed and work on our remodel while also being a stay-at-home-mom to a toddler. I get it. You probably do too. The work of our daily lives is exhausting. God understands. Let’s see what Scripture can teach us about this kind of labor. The word translated from kopiao is in bold.
God knows work is tiresome. He understands our limits. And most of all He knows that labor of all kinds (whether after godly goals or worldly goals) leaves us exhausted. When understanding labor, it’s vital to believe Jesus offers us true rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This kind of effort should be used to supply our own needs and those who cannot work in this manner themselves.
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
One goal of our work is to supply for our needs and share the excess of our labor with others.
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Energeō: to be operative, be at work, put forth power
Does the word energeō look familiar? It shares a root with our modern, English word for energy. It’s a no-brainer that pursuing godly goals will require us to put forth energy. However, when I looked in to the words I’d be covering for today’s final post in this series–I was surprised to see who is putting forth energy in Scripture.
Unlike ergon (a job) and kopiaō (tiresome effort), energeō is typically reserved to describe the work of God or another un-mortal force. God cannot grow weary–therefore kopiaō will never describe him. Let’s look at a couple verses to remind ourselves that pursuing godly goals is not a lonely walk. God is alongside us, pouring out effort in the things that truly matter most.
God is at work in our gifts.
[After a discussion on spiritual giftings.]…There are different kinds of working [literally activity/effort], but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Thanks for joining me and please tell me your thoughts on this series–or shoot me ideas of other topics you’d like to see here on the blog. What are you godly goals? I’m praying that you are fining lots of joy as you align your personal goals with God’s heart.
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