Sabbath as a day of rest

https://odb.org/2024/09/12/retrieval-practice

They say if you retire early, you risk dying early. This is probably because the lack of work pressure and motivation may lead to a lazy, sedentary, and unproductive lifestyle that may somehow bring us to an untimely demise. On the other hand, too much work pressure may lead to unnecessary stress, and that may bring about illnesses like the big three of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes – also a recipe for early death! This is especially crucial when we are between our 50s and 60s, and one of the solutions is to have a balanced life, by continuing to work to maintain good mental and physical health but in a less stressful environment.

By working, we are also assured we have continued financial independence before we start to dig into our old age funds. We may also continue paying our tithes and offerings to the church and for His work and also provide financial assistance to the needy, if so required.

The LORD also has a balanced life remedy for us in the form of the Sabbath or Shabbat (in Hebrew). Because He Himself as God rested on the seventh day after spending six days creating the world and all the creatures therein. He instituted the Sabbath for us to rest and worship Him and remember His mighty works and goodness in our lives. We need not take it as religiously as the Jews with all the strict rules governing it, but we should nevertheless set aside a day for us to rest and reflect on God. The latter helps us retrieve our memories, which inevitably will worsen as we age and prayerfully, we will avoid getting dementia. That is why it is an excellent practice to chill on a Sunday and attend church physically to fellowship and worship the LORD. It is much better if we are also serving in church.

A church full of old folks need not come across as lifeless as even the elderly can have boundless energy in the Lord, serving Him until our last breath. It is important to work as long as our employers still want us, but it is equally necessary to serve God to have a good balance between the natural and the spiritual. Work and serve God as long as we can, but remember to observe our personal Sabbath to rest and rejuvenate and to remember the goodness and grace of God!