Rediscover Sabbath

Editorial by Jack LaCamera

I wasn’t raised a Seventh-day Adventist, so to say the least, the Sabbath was a new concept for me. When I first learned about it, I was searching for truth but had a hard time finding consistency between the Word of God and the traditions of man. The Sabbath became a source of affirmation of faith in God and His Word. I saw the beauty and consistency of the Sabbath in nature, history and the Scriptures.

When I made the decision to start observing it, I was working seven days a week. Though I was unsure of what would happen to me at work, I experienced God’s rest and peace in a way I didn’t know was possible. My effectiveness increased, my worries subsided and I grew closer to God.

Later, when I went through a “wilderness experience,” waiting for God to make His will for my life clear to me, the Sabbath was there as an anchor, constantly reminding me to trust God in the process. Fellowship with other believers on the Sabbath was precious to me, as they would share testimonies of how God brought them through similar experiences. He created me, He redeemed me and He would not forsake me now. No matter how the week went, I knew I would be able to set aside my burdens and rest in Jesus’ presence as my Redeemer every Friday sunset.

The Sabbath serves as a blessing to me in my walk with God. Every seventh day, I’m reminded of my value to an all-powerful God. I’m reminded to pause and trust Him, that He is the author and finisher of my faith. Now, I have the privilege of helping others experience a reprieve from life’s burdens on the Sabbath.

Because of what the Sabbath has meant in my own life, I cannot help but want others to experience it too. I have found rest when I was weary, peace when I was uncertain and trust when I was waiting. The Sabbath has become a place where God meets me again and again. My prayer is that you would consider rediscovering the Sabbath for yourself—and in doing so, rediscover the joy of resting in a faithful Creator and a loving Redeemer.

Jack LaCamera is the pastor of the Harrisburg and Hershey churches.