Take a Break!

The term sabbatical shares its origin with the term sabbath.  It  means; of or suitable for the sabbath. Sabbath is from the Hebrew word “shabbath” meaning rest.

The first allusion to the sabbath is in Genesis (2:2-3) when God set aside a day of rest during the creation narrative.  And then it is followed in Exodus(20:8-11) with the command for man to remember the sabbath.

The sabbath was set aside as a day of rest and worship. It provides us with an opportunity to trust God. He will provide for us even if we do not work one day, as shown by the provision of manna.  It helps man avoid idolatry: prevents us from placing our jobs before God in importance.  And lastly, it prevents physical breakdown and exhaustion that leads to stress which can contribute to illness, and decrease in creative function of the brain. Whew!

Biblically, we are encouraged to dedicate time to rest, rejuvenate, and trust God.  We can acknowledge that God will provide and we have faith in His provision, by following His command for us to remember the sabbath.

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The Natural Benefit of a Sabbath

Secularly sabbatical is defined as the active pursuit of purpose.  Many organizations encourage and pay for sabbatical leaves.  It is believed, by allowing people to restore and recreate, they increase creativity and productivity.¹ 

By simply obeying God’s will for us, there is remodeling of the neuro pathways which allows for new thoughts.

Neuroplasticity is what is needed. Your brain needs a rest from the everyday.  So if you can not take a sabbatical, let alone a vacation, try something novel! Psychiatrist Dr. Shimi King states our brains will make the most of the rest when they experience something new.  There are some caveats however, the activity needs to be different enough to be outside your comfort zone and it needs to be something enjoyable to you so as not to be interpreted as a stressor.  Michael Merzenich adds, it will be most beneficial if this new activity will lead to change permanently, and that will occur if it is worth remembering. Dr. Kang, notes novel activity can be simple. When you make personally meaningful change, interestingly, the body releases dopamine. Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure and reward, which motivates you to repeat the behavior.²

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Look at the beauty of God’s desires for mankind.

• 1 Samuel 15:22-23 says obedience is better than sacrifice. By simply obeying one of the earliest commands given to mankind we benefit immensely. Our bodies, minds and spirits are renewed and refreshed.
• Romans 12:1-2 present self and be transformed
• Ephesians 4:23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind
• Philippians 4:8  think of these things,
•  2 Cor 10:5 take every thought captive.

 Once again, man in all of his wisdom, has circled around to God’s plan, understanding the need for rest.

References and additional Resources

1. 6 Modern Sabbatical Ideas
2. How To Give Your Brain a Break Without Booking a Vacation

Scripture References

Genesis 2:2-3 (KJV)

² And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. ³ And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

1 Samuel 15: 22-23 (TLB)

²² Samuel replied, “Has the Lord as much pleasure in your burnt offerings and sacrifices as in your obedience? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than in your offering the fat of rams to him. ²³ For rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. And now because you have rejected the word of Jehovah, he has rejected you from being king.”

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

¹I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:23 (KJV)

²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

⁵ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

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