How to get 24 Hours of Sabbath Restoration

Have you ever wondered why some communities seem to defy the aging process, living longer and healthier lives than the rest of us? These regions, known as “Blue Zones,” hold secrets to longevity. These communities get up to 10 years more life than the surrounding population.

One such zone exists in Loma Linda, California. What sets them apart? The answer lies in their intentional practice of Sabbath rest, deeply rooted in the biblical commandments. Every week, there’s a community culture that takes 24 hours “to focus on family, God, camaraderie, and nature.” (Loma Linda’s Blue Zone Secrets)

In most of Western society, however, we have lost the ability to stop and rest. More specifically, we have lost the art of Sabbath restoration; to be present with God, with family and with friends. To get it back, we need to understand where it started and where we got off track.

1. Understanding the Historical Context

In the Book of Exodus (Exodus 20:8-11), God commands His people to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” This isn’t merely about taking a day off work; it was a call to the people of Israel, to acknowledge God as the Creator and Deliverer.

Time rolled on, and Christianity moved the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, as a pointer to the day of Christ’s resurrection. This continued through Europe and into the founding of the West and was maintained until 30+ years ago.

Even if people didn’t adhere to Christian beliefs, it was cultural to shut down on Sundays; no work, stores closed, etc. For a long time, our society embraced this rhythm, carving out a 24-hour pause to connect with God and loved ones.

2. Understanding the Heart Condition

It’s crucial to understand that Sabbath rest isn’t about legalistic adherence. We have to understand the heart behind it and must adhere to it with a similar understanding. Jesus, in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 2:23-28), redefines the Sabbath, declaring, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Jesus emphasizes its purpose – a gift from God for our benefit, providing restoration, reflection, and recreation. It’s not just about following a rule. There’s a blessing behind Sabbath rest that God has created, knowing that it’s good for us.

3. Understanding the Human Connection

In our modern world, where busyness often prevails, being able to stop takes faith and submission, trusting that God’s in control of whatever we feel is too important to let go of. A 24-hour break each week, free from work, devices and distractions, allows for connection with God and loved ones.

The temptation of constant work may loom, but the rewards of Sabbath rest are undeniable. It enables the restoration of our presence with God, family and friends. To be truly present, not working, going or doing…just stopping and being.

Understanding Leads to Application

The application of Sabbath rest is not a legalistic duty but a source of spiritual nourishment. In a society addicted to constant activity, Christians should be at the forefront of knowing how to rest, as Jesus, declared Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). He invites us to embrace Sabbath not as a burden but as an invitation to pause and be restored each week.

Consider the potential outcome: If you commit to Sabbath restoration for one day each week, not only will your life be less stressful and more fulfilled, but you could add years to your life like those who live in “Blue Zones”. Why not make Sabbath a spiritual practice?

Choose one day to stop, and rest – turn off work and distractions. Start this week and witness the transformation that an intentional Sabbath can bring to your life. In a world that’s always on the move, chart a different course and rediscover the art of stopping. Allow God to build your spiritual resilience toward a more fulfilling, abundant life.