“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me’”
– Song of Songs 2:10; NIV
Singer and songwriter Norah Jones expressed well this invitation between lovers on her debut album, “Come away with me and we’ll kiss on a mountaintop; Come away with me and I’ll never stop loving you.”
This song makes me think of an invitation to slow dance. Yet, sometimes I dance around the idea of slow.
In this season, Sabbath has felt more like that awkward junior high dance where I’m not sure what to do. I want to lean in more, but instead I try to hold it steady and am sometimes a bit stiff rather than relaxed.
Jesus, I hesitate to lean into the slow and into You because I notice the pain in my soul from my sin, circumstances, and even from the painful things going on in this world. It feels safer to escape and stay busy.
Krishana, I AM for you. I AM with you, even in the journey to the deepest parts of your soul—those places that hurt. I have, I AM, and will always love you and nothing can separate you from my love (Psalm 139:8; Romans 8:31-39).
Jesus, what do I do with the overwhelm — sometimes I struggle to find time to get away and Sabbath because there is too much calling for my attention.
Krishana, I want to hear more about all that is on your heart, the overwhelm, and the things calling for your attention. Will you take my hand? I want to give you rest and let you catch your breath (Matthew 11:28).
Yes, Jesus, help me to take Your hand (Romans 8:26-27).
That’s the next step, Krishana. Let me whisper in your ear all the many reasons why I adore you. Let my love pour over you as you unload the overwhelm. I would love to lead you in this dance. Someday soon, you will have the full picture of this dance with Me — and revel in all its beauty (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. . .Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 61:3,7-8, NIV)
Reflect: What are the specific obstacles keeping you from slowing down with your Savior and embracing His Sabbath invitation?
If you were to hold those obstacles in your hand, what would they look like, feel like, consider their size and weight.
Now imagine a conversation between you and Jesus as you talk about these obstacles. As you converse, hold tightly to Psalm 139:8 and Romans 8:31-39. See what you two uncover about what slowing down and a sabbath rest could look like for you in this season.