Stories

As we move through the holiday month of August, it’s crucial to reflect on the importance of Sabbath and Shalom in our lives, especially for those entrusted with the spiritual care of others. For Christian leaders, the demands of ministry often intensify during this season, leaving little room for personal rest and family time, leading to exhaustion.

“The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27), a divine gift designed to restore us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, in our relentless pursuit of serving others, we often overlook this sacred time of rest, believing our work is too important to pause. However, this constant push towards overexertion can lead to burnout.

Burnout impacts families, communities, and organisations. Neglecting our own well-being makes us less capable of guiding others, and the positive impact we desire becomes increasingly difficult. This is why self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for effective spiritual leadership. Taking time for prayerful retreats and quiet reflection allows Christian leaders and workers to reconnect with God, renew their strength, and return to their ministries with a refreshed spirit.

In a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, the concept of Shalom is more vital than ever. Shalom, often translated as "peace," carries a deeper meaning in Hebrew, encompassing well-being, wholeness, and completeness. When we wish someone "Shalom," we bless them with the fullness of life—health, prosperity, and the divine presence that brings true peace. Similarly, embracing Sabbath rest is about more than taking a day off; it’s about entering into God's Shalom, His perfect peace that sustains us through every season of life.

This holiday season, we pray that you, our members, will find the Sabbath rest and Shalom peace that God desires for you. May you resist the urge to overextend yourself and instead embrace the rest that rejuvenates your soul. Let this August be a time of true Sabbath, where you find the Shalom that comes from resting in God's presence.

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