Why I Keep the Sabbath

My personal journey brought me deeper understanding and appreciation of the gift God has given us in His Sabbath.

When I first learned about the Sabbath, I dreaded it. I was a teenager at the time, and I craved adventure and activity and simply “doing stuff.” Setting aside a whole day each week seemed impossible. Yet I did begin keeping the Sabbath. Here are my reasons:

Obey God’s law: Initially my decision was a simple one, based on a compelling desire to obey God. I wasn’t perfect in my obedience, but I started down the right path, guided by a loving and merciful God. At times I compromised with the Sabbath. Each time, however, I came to regret my unfaithfulness to God. Over time, my commitment grew stronger, and obedience became easier. This was only the beginning of my journey.

Learn God’s truth: My first efforts to remember the Sabbath were limited to what I should not do on the Sabbath, such as work. I was still a teenager, and the nearest Sabbath-keeping congregation was too far away for me to attend.

That changed when I was 18. I was on my own, attending college in a larger city. It was there that I began to attend church services each Sabbath. I was thrilled to learn more about God, His plan of salvation and His coming Kingdom. The Sabbath became a wonderful opportunity to learn.

Fellowship with believers: When I began to attend church each Sabbath, I found myself among a group of people different in many ways from friends I would have sought out. These people represented a wide variety of social and economic backgrounds. There were families with young children, singles and retired folks. There were widows.

They were people I never would have met, yet they were becoming my friends. More than that, they were becoming family, united by belief in the same God and by hope in the same future. We bonded on God’s Sabbath.

Set aside cares: When I first began to attend church, I was a college student. It was a real challenge to set aside my concerns as the sun dipped below the horizon each Friday. How could I keep up with the reading, the tests, the projects and the papers? Early in my efforts to keep the Sabbath, I even resented the time I “lost.”

That attitude changed, though. As I matured in the faith, I came to appreciate the chance to step aside from the frenetic pace of life. I found myself longing for the Sabbath, knowing that with it I would experience a peace that cannot be understood by anyone who refuses to try it. It is a peace that comes from knowing that God is in charge, that God knows my needs and that God will provide.

Consider my Creator: As I began to experience the peace that comes from keeping God’s Sabbath, I also began to understand my role in the world. The Sabbath puts life into perspective. I recognized the Sabbath not only as a symbol of God’s creative power, but also as an opportunity for me to consider my Creator.

By stepping back from all the “important” things I was doing each week, I could see what really matters. What amazed me is how insignificant my worries became when placed alongside the power of God!

Appreciate my Redeemer: During my spiritual journey, though, there have been times of greater frustration and even fear. At these times, I stayed connected with my God through prayer. It was on the Sabbath that I had more time for prayer, more time for Bible study, more time for contemplation of God’s saving power. I came to view the Sabbath, not only as a memorial of deliverance, but as an opportunity to appreciate my Redeemer.

Anticipate the future: I’m middle-aged now. I’ve lived long enough to know some of the setbacks and heartaches of life. I’ve come to understand that this world offers nothing of enduring value. I have hope, though—hope for a future of real joy and fulfillment.

The Sabbath pictures that time in the near future, just as the first six days of the week picture the age of man. When I attend church services each Sabbath, I quietly rejoice in that hope, made possible by my God.

For more about the blessing God has given us in His Sabbath, see  “The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day” and our Frequently Asked Question “How Should a Christian Keep the Sabbath?”

Bill Palmer is a member of Church of God, a Worldwide Association.