Sunday, June 16, 2002
Sunday, June 16, 2002
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all
your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do any
work you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien
resident in your towns. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that
is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and
consecrated it.
A physician, Dr. Robert Anderson, who has researched the subject of stress extensively, says
that he used to think that 35 to 40 percent of the problems he saw in his office were stress
induced. Now he thinks it could be as high as 90 percent. These problems include ulcers,
stomach disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, back pain, muscle aches as
well as a host of psychiatric disorders.
I will admit that I like to work. With my ministry on a large church staff and my Navy reserve
duties as a Chaplain, I sometimes work seven days a week. And, after that many days, I can
feel the need for rest and spiritual renewal, so I have also learned the importance of Sabbath. I
run two miles everyday, but one day a week, usually on Sundays, I let my body rest. Our spirits
also new rest and refreshment and that is why the Sabbath was created.
(Exodus 20.8-11
NRSV)
Nissan Motors uses as its motto: WE ARE DRIVEN! According to Gordon MacDonald that
phrase describes many of us. We are driven. Driven to acquire--driven to achieve--driven to
be. And this "driven-ness" is taking its toll.
Loving God, may I keep your Sabbath, so that my mind, body and soul will be well. Amen.
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