So often we overlook Sabbath and the fact that God calls us to it. This book helps us re-establish Sabbath into our daily lives and re-establish it as a weekly rhythm. It has great suggestions and helps to reintroduce sabbath into your life as a practice and priority,

Finding rest feels like an impossibility in this chaotic world and yet it is crucial. Shelly does a wonderful job of unpacking what that looks like. At the same time some of the advice is limited in its practicality to a busy life.

This was a good book in helping think through rest and Sabbath not only from a biblical perspective, but also seeing rest as necessary in a world that keeps pushing more productivity.

Southern California professionals take pride in a fast-paced lifestyle.

“How are you?”

Deep inhale and smile, “Busy!”

Those who drive the speed limit take their lives in their hands, even in the slow lane. Commuters weave in and out of tight spaces to get one car ahead, and motorcyclists zoom between cars going 70+ miles an hour.

This morning commute sets the pace for the day. Days are filled with meetings, one-right-after another with barely time to speedwalk to the next meeting. While in the meetings, attendees multitask, answering phones, texting, and emailing, all the while, contributing to the meeting discussions.

Evenings are times to get the work accomplished that was neglected during meetings.

While I was reading Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller, God prompted me to stop and consider my ways. Just last week, I came home and devoured dark chocolate to try to help relieve the stress of my busy day.

Rhythms of Rest explores the intent of God in establishing the Sabbath.

This book is for anyone who is frustrated with the busyness of everyday life and longs to withdraw into the presence of God.

“Sabbath is the exhale required after six days of inhaling our work.” (Beginnings)

Miller is careful to emphasize that her Sabbath is not a legalistic Sabbath but a day of rest. This day takes planning and preparation and can be the highlight of the week; yet, it needs practice and is different for everyone. While her designated Sabbath is Sunday, her husband’s day is another day.

“Jesus is Sabbath. When we make the day different on his behalf, holiness inhabits our intentions.” (Beginnings)

Miller began Sabbath Society because she was “tired of living with continual unrest in my soul.” Hundreds have joined Sabbath Society. The book grew out of Miller’s experiences and those of the members of Sabbath Society.

God created the earth in six days, and on the seventh day, He rested. He established a rhythm of rest for the world to follow.

When we were in Austria, we visited a farm that had been in the family since 1776. This family was renown for its extraordinary stewardship of the land. One of the principles that they farmed by was that the land would rest on the seventh year – straight from Leviticus.

Miller reminds us that “Sabbath is love written large, declaring God is good; he remembers the promises between us.” (Watch for the Arrows)

Come to Me all you who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Jesus is our Sabbath, our promise for the deep spiritual rest that we crave.

I received a galley copy from the publisher for my honest review.

Shelly Miller does an excellent job at encouraging you to take time to rest during the hectic side of life.
Shelly takes you through practical steps on how to live a life that creates rythms to being a better and healthier you.

Miller's writing style reminds me of Ann Voskamp and Ten Thousand Gifts. Thoughtful, gently challenging, and encouraging, Rhythms of Rest challenges the reader to implement change straightaway. Not necessarily huge change - baby steps are encouraged! - but change nevertheless.

Remembering the Sabbath is a tough commandment to obey. There's always one more thing to do, another load of laundry that "will just take a sec to throw in", etc., etc. But what load of laundry, or email, or {fill in the blank here}, is truly so important that it can't wait till the next day? Rest - both spiritual and physical - is just as important as "productivity". And we are only as productive as we are rested ... the less rested we are, the less genuinely productive we are.

Miller examines the biblical setting of Sabbath, its theological and linguistic roots, and more in Rhythms of Rest, and provides plenty of practical application the reader can implement right away. Definitely recommended and I look forward to making changes in my own Sabbath practices.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful read that truly helped me find rest for my soul! Great dialogue in this book.

Recommended reading for over busy Christians, especially those wrapped up in our hectic technological society. Will only help if applied consistently however and that's sometimes a problem.