Scattered “One-Minute Sabbath”

On the sixth day, God fashioned His crown-jewel in His image. He declared that we were “ very good.” On our first full day together, we rested in God’s full satisfaction (“Sabbath,” Gen 2:2-3).

God still invites His people to set aside ourselves regularly during our daily activities to enjoy His presence. Scattering short “One-Minute Sabbaths” throughout our daily rhythms is a simple aid to touch base with Him throughout our active days, even in the humdrum and mundane of our journey. Practicing this for 60-seconds will move both our heart and body more into alignment. In my first year, I wish someone had taught me these three interconnected responses. They especially help when I feel stress.

1. To reduce stress, begin by rubbing your palms gently together. Place them in any comfortable position, still touching palms together. God seems to have put natural healing in our hands (Jesus laid hands on as He healed). This focuses the energy in our hands to help “reboot” our physical bodies and mind and defuse stress.
2. Now take three deep, cleansing “belly breaths” in with your diaphragm and one long exhale. Repeat this sequence three times. Don’t rush. Controlled power breathing interrupts the stress cycle, similar to how power aerobics works. This keeps the mind and body functioning at optimum. Tests show this can lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation and help us de-stress. This brings in oxygen for healthy cells and releases carbon dioxide.
3. As you breathe in, set your heart and mind on God-Reality. Intentional meditation on Scripture transforms us at the core of our being (Psalm 1:2-3; Joshua 1:8).
   

   ·        As you breathe in, think “Father,” “Son,” and “Spirit” with each of your three breathes, one after another. Or focus on an aspect of God’s provision that is crucial to you at this time, like faith, love and hope, the fruit of the Spirit, Zephaniah 3:17, or…. Remember, deliberate focus on God and His provision are more important than doing “One-Minute Sabbath” spot-on.

   ·        As you breathe out, push out all the air as you focus on the one stress or negative you want to get out of your body. Name it as you exhale since He cares so deeply for you (1 Peter 5:7). If no stressor, focus on God again: “Fill me up with Your presence.”

   
   This is Reflection #47 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com