The Sabbath of Sickness: Finding Rest When You're Unwell

The Sabbath of Sickness: Finding Rest When You're Unwell

Well, it looks like tonight is going to be another quiet one. The feeling of being under the weather seems to have settled in for a bit longer than I'd hoped. My body's definitely sending strong signals that it's time to power down and prioritize rest. There's not much else to say, really. When you're feeling this way, the couch and an early bedtime are pretty much the only things on the agenda.

It's in these moments, when our bodies demand stillness, that I've been reflecting on a profound biblical truth: the principle of rest. From the very beginning, God Himself rested on the seventh day after creation, setting a divine precedent for a rhythm of work and rest. This isn't just about a weekly Sabbath; it's a foundational blueprint for our well-being.

Sometimes, we feel a strange guilt when sickness forces us to slow down. We might push through, feeling unproductive or like we're "giving in." But what if this enforced stillness is actually a form of sacred rest—a "sabbath of sickness"? What if, in our weakness, God is inviting us to lean into His design for restoration?

Just as the earth needs its fallow periods to replenish, so do our bodies and spirits. When illness strikes, it's not a sign of failure, but often a clear invitation to embrace the very rhythm God established. To lie down in the green pastures, to be led beside quiet waters, not just spiritually, but physically. This isn't laziness; it's obedience to our body's call for healing, which is itself a divine process.

So tonight, as I turn in early, I'm not just giving in to fatigue. I'm choosing to honor the need for rest, trusting that in this quiet surrender, healing can begin. Fingers crossed that a good night's sleep does the trick and things are looking up by morning for all who are also in need of this precious rest.

Wishing everyone a healthy and restful evening!