It has taken me all week to reflect on Hebrews 4 posted by Karen last Sunday. I read the passage before I went to work last Monday morning and sat and prayed that God would speak to me through these words. I came back to it on Wednesday, re-read the passage and was still feeling bogged down by it. I think what challenged me so much was that I had a sense of guilt come over me, that I was being unfaithful or unbelieving by not taking rest. I know that it may sound kind of twisted to put it that way but actually it does make some sense.
It took so much effort for me to get this scripture because I haven't been taking weekly sabbath time. Even though I know that I should be and so reading that those who don't believe will not find rest in God, challenged me. I need to take time for my faith, remember that I am one of God's children, praise God daily, follow the teachings of Jesus and take time for sabbath rest regularly.
Later in this passage, it says that "no creature is hidden". When I forget my connection with God, God is still there with me. When I don't go to church and forget to pray, God is still there with me. When I get frustrated over work or life stuff and get completely stressed out and don't pray, God is still there with me. And when I get run down, tired, and depressed, God is still there with me. If I prepare to just be with God, to not be distracted by work, to worship and praise, to ask and hear in prayer, and take sabbath rest, I will more likely remember that God is still there with me and I won't be hiding (either intentionally or unintentionally) from God.
In relation for the goal "to strengthen and develop local youth and young adult ministry through a network of spiritually healthy, education and ethical leaders", I wonder how our leaders can be encouraged to be faithful and take time for sabbath, not only because they are supposed to, but because it can strengthen their relationship with God and further their faith journey. When I was working in a congregation, there were so many Sundays when I just didn't really feel like going to church. Now that it's up to me to decide if I feel like going, when I do go, I am able to be fully present and worship, without worrying about my lesson plan, children's time or the reflection.
Alison
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