Recently I finished a time of sabbatical.  It was about giving my soul a quiet place.  Being still. Reading the Word. Listening.

Every four years, missionaries with Campus Crusade are allowed 30 days to step away for spiritual renewal.  Although I knew I had this rare privilege, this is the first time in 18 years with CCCI that I’ve taken advantage of it.  I followed the advice of Ken Cochrum and others who gave excellent tips for planning a successful sabbatical.

Two Things I learned:

These hardly seem radical.  Basically, it was just really good to be reminded of some key things.

#1  Rest is a very good thing

God invented rest.  Not because He needs it, but because He knows we do.  I had to convince myself that it’s ok to radically step away from the hectic pace of life.  Yes, it required planning.  In my case I had to postpone a few projects I was working on and hand off others work to coworkers.  The Lord provided space and time to read His Word and rest.  Those were the two things I did at length.  But were there distractions?  Well, the reality is that you can be distracted in an empty room in the middle of a desert.  So, I had to turn off my email, social networks, cell phone, etc.  (Ah, now you know why I haven’t been in touch for so long!)  It took about 3 days before I felt free to fully disengage from my world of real-time communications.  Yes, it felt like I was going through withdrawal of some sorts without a digital life, but after a short time… I didn’t miss it at all! I felt more focused – like my brain was actually functioning better.  Also I felt more in tune with my family and immensely enjoyed spending time with them.  So, in short, I was reminded that SLOW DOWN is a Biblical command to be heeded at regular intervals.  It did me much good in terms of physical, mental and spiritual rest and renewal.

#2 God’s Word speaks

Yes, His Word is living and active and is always busy accomplishing His work.  The treasure of His Word is ready to dwell in me richly every moment of every day.  Yet my tendency sometimes is to try to force His Word to speak – to emphasize it on His behalf – especially when I am facing a decision point or pressing needs in my life.  And, true, at some busy points in my life a particular Bible verse has grabbed my attention with vigor, leading me to a certain path or plan.  He does bring emphasis at busy or critical times.  But when my soul is quiet, and I spend time with Him at leisure, His Word seems to float up and around every thought.  The things He seems to say are much more relational and always draw attention to Him.  During my time of rest, He seemed to say through His Word: “See, I am rich in time.  I have time for you and I love you.  My agenda is Me.  Believe in Me and simply walk with Me no matter where I lead or what the circumstances are.  Only I can truly satisfy.  Only I can do true work.  Only I can love you perfectly.  Rest in Me.”

Trusting God

Shannon and I started reading this book by Jerry Bridges.  We also purchased the Discussion Guide that comes with it and made time to talk through some of the questions there.  We’ll hope to continue to talk through it.  Several of the chapters deal with God’s control over events or circumstances in our lives and dive in to many Scriptures on why it can be difficult to trust God, even when it’s somewhat easy to obey God.  Excellent book!

So, all in all I highly recommend a sabbatical rest.  Whether it be for 30 days or whatever length of time.  May He meet with you richly there!