The Healing Power of the Sabbath

When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. // Luke 13:12-13

I look at the piles of laundry, papers on the counter and am cognizant of the minutes I have before hungry voices come looking for food. Do I work on lunch first or get to sorting the stuff? Should I throw in the next load or have the kids get started on their own laundry? Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest but ignoring the housework is anxiety producing, not relaxing. How can we set aside the day for rest, free of work, when our vocation calls us to serve on a 24-7 clock? 

As a mom and a writer, there is always something that I feel I should be doing. Changing my external habits and doing my laundry on Saturday isn’t going to change my mindset. I will simply find other ways of “working” because the work is never done. 

I don’t want to neglect my responsibilities to my children or husband—I know the Lord isn’t asking that of me. Jesus shows us today that we shouldn’t ignore the needs of others. Merely doing or not doing chores won’t lead us closer to Him. Whether we are moms or not, sometimes what is needed is a shift internally in how we approach the sabbath. That is what will lead to a growth in holiness and the ability to rest in Him. 

Although the sabbath is still supposed to be set aside as holy, a day of rest, in today’s Gospel Jesus shows us that the sabbath can also be a day to be set free and accept healing from the Lord. Intentionally consecrating our Sundays to Him, chores and all, may help us see where we need the Lord’s healing as well. Even the busiest of us can slow down a little, pray more, keep things simple, and focus on being with Him.  

What is keeping you from really living life differently on the sabbath? How can you set your sabbath aside for the Lord?

About MaryRuth Hackett

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Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett is a writer, national speaker, and podcast host covering topics in psychology and faith. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and works at the important intersection of faith and developmental science, blending them in the original harmony God intended. Dr. Mary Ruth is the author of Daughter by Design: Discovering Your Identity as God's Beloved Daughter, a contributing author to All She Had and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.