Are you feeling overwhelmed by life, like you can't do anything right or keep anything straight? Are you feeling hopeless because your purpose seems unclear or uncertain?

Maybe that doesn't describe you. Perhaps you're going through the motions, not really engaging in life. Stuff is getting done and schedules are being kept, but days, weeks, and months are sliding by without meaning. It's like you're standing still with your eyes closed, living without feeling anything.

Whether or not these scenarios resonate with you, the chances are good that you need time for Sabbath.

In the blog post, Wisdom and Sabbath Rest, Tim Keller writes:

"Sabbath is about more than external rest of the body; it is about inner rest of the soul. We need rest from the anxiety and strain of our overwork, which is really an attempt to justify ourselves—to gain the money or the status or the reputation we think we have to have. Avoiding overwork requires deep rest in Christ’s finished work for your salvation (Hebrews 4:1–10). Only then will you be able to “walk away” regularly from your vocational work and rest."

Following their silver medal performance in the Men’s Synchronized 10m platform dive at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, divers David Boudia and Steele Johnson stated that it's their identity in Christ that keeps them grounded and ready for competition.

Steele Johnson said, “. . . The fact that I was going into this event knowing that my identity is rooted in Christ and not what the result of this competition is just gave me peace."

David and Steele excel at what they do. They're champion divers and metal-winning Olympians, but clearly that's not the core of who they are or what determines their purpose in life. Having their true identity in Christ gives them the freedom to trust God's promises and rest in His plans. Read more.

We all need regular time to rest and reflect on who we are in Christ. Because of His love for you, the price has been paid; your salvation is secure. Rest in that truth and start living like you believe it! If Olympians - constantly on the crest of winning and losing - can live securely knowing their identity is in Christ and not their achievements, then you can too!

Here are a few great books that will help you to grasp your true identity and purpose in life according to God's plan.

• Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman
• The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
• (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things by Steven Furtick
• Kingdom Woman: Embracing Your Purpose, Power, and Possibilities by Tony Evans & Chrystal Evans Hurst
• Grace for the Moment, Morning & Evening Daily Devotional by Max Lucado

While these books will help tremendously, nothing can replace Scripture reading and prayer. If you need a quiet place to get way, consider coming to Sandy Cove to experience a Mini Sabbatical. When you come to Sandy Cove for a Mini Sabbatical, you will have dedicated time to rest, relax, and recharge.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28