Sabbath Meditation #29 – Living In the Now

By Kelly McDonald, Jr.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

“10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:10-11).

In today’s world, we are always making plans for the future. There are deadlines, goals, events, appointments, repairs that need to be made, and the list goes on. It is important that we take care of these things. After all, they require our time and attention. We seem to be constantly planning for what is next. What about a time where we only thought about that day’s meaning?

The Sabbath is the perfect opportunity for such a day. Instead of thinking about schedules and appointments for the next day, week or further down the road, use the Sabbath to think about God, Jesus and the day’s meaning. Consider and meditate upon God’s plan for your life. Why are you alive in the here and now? Why were you born at this time? You can meditate on these items throughout the day. Think about what it really means to observe the Sabbath. What does God desire to reveal to you in that moment? Consider how you can be a blessing to others in your congregation on the Sabbath.

We can be so distracted by the cares of this age and our personal plans that we miss the special blessings of God’s rest on the Sabbath. It is the only day of the week that He blessed and made holy. If our focus is just on the Sabbath and that day’s blessings and responsibilities, then we can receive everything God has for us during that time. Sometimes we live so much in the tomorrow that we neglect what is happening in the right now.

In the first century, the Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to appear. When Jesus came, some recognized Him as just that! Everyone else was still focused on the future. They were still waiting on the Messiah even though He was right in front of them! So many people failed to recognize the time of their visitation from God (Luke 19:44). The life, teaching, and miracles of Christ were all overlooked by many people because Jesus did not fit their mold. He did not fit their way of doing things. They had their own mindset of what tomorrow would bring, and they missed the now!

Practical tip: Consider a planning period on Thursday or Friday where you map out a list of the events for next week, including what you may need to address after Sabbath ends Saturday at sunset. You can always tell people “Can we talk about this after Sabbath ends?” However, there are times that some future events/appointments must be discussed on Sabbath, such as those which pertain to upcoming church functions (congregational input may be needed at the Sabbath gathering).

We don’t want events in the future to cause us to miss what is plainly in front of us on the Sabbath. This Sabbath, learn to live in the now.

Selah.

Kelly McDonald, Jr.

Bible Sabbath Association (BSA) – www.biblesabbath.org