The sabbath year is the 7th year cycle that the Hebrews were to celebrate. During that year, the land and all agricultural activity was forbidden (and they were in an agricultural society). Any related work to improve the land or crops wasn't allowed, however, you were allowed to do what was necessary to prevent damage or harm - like watering, weeding, mowing, etc., just not planting, plowing, and harvesting. Also, any fruit that grew "on its own" that year was allowed to be picked by anyone.
Another part of this rest involved debts and loans. Personal debts due at the end of that year were forgiven and nullified. Those who had become slaves to repay loans or debts were set free at the end of that year too. The book of Leviticus promises a bountiful harvest to those who faithfully observe the shmita, it's a test of faith.
Here are some references if you're interested in reading more:
Exodus 23:10 - 11
Leviticus 25:20-22
Deuteronomy 31:10-13
Jeremiah 34:13-14
Nehemiah 10:32
2 Chronicles 36:20-21
2 Kings 19:20-30
I feel like this is our Shmita for our family. We've worked harder than usual the past few years, been through awful struggles, and got to the point where there was no where left to go but up. The worst of our struggles began in 2005, exactly 7 years ago...see where I'm going with this? It started with a life-changing discovery that threatened to break our family apart, then a time of being closer than ever to God (which always brings attacks & temptations by the enemy), then struggles over doing what's necessary to survive, submitting to my husband's insistence that I had to go to work - yet knowing my true, God-given purpose was to be a full-time, stay-at-home, homeschooling Mom to our 3 kids at very important times in their lives. It's been 6 years of financial struggles. The more hours we put in, the more other things beyond our control happened to cause us to earn less and less. Then we lost our house, and we had to go through bankruptcy - something I never thought I'd have to go through. But then came 2012.
This year, Tim was willing to do things way beyond his comfort zone to change careers, and
we had things fall into place that couldn't have happened any other way but by divine intervention. Things like finding our new home for the best price imaginable. I felt that God was telling me that this year, there would be a time of rest for our family and He brought me to places in the bible (and sermons, and books, etc.) where this Sabbath rest was discussed. I had sort of remembered hearing something about it, but never thought of it in today's terms.
I believe that after years of major struggles, we were found faithful. During this time of one calamity after another, my faith grew, my peace increased, I let go of control (as if it was mine in the first place), Tim grew in his faith, we were faithful in tithing even when we didn't have enough to buy food or pay bills - yet God was faithful to provide in those times. During the past 6 years, I attended Bible Study, grew in our small group, Tim attended several men's bible studies, I was absolutely blessed by God's Holy Spirit to write a few devotionals, talk in groups about His faithfulness to us, write a Genesis study that I got to teach to 50 women, our marriage grew closer, bad habits were broken, and last fall, Tim & I even renewed our vows at a marriage retreat. God must have been at least a little pleased with our response to the troubles thrown our way, because He's got us in a season of peace and blessing and trust. I haven't been this at peace since I found myself at the center of His will many years ago. God is so good.
What will the rest of this year hold? I don't know, but for the first time in my life, I'm not concerned about it. I can't control it, I don't know the whole picture, but I know that God knows it, and that's enough. We still have unexpected weeks where the paycheck that should be $800 comes back at $400, Tim's truck breaks down, there's a week where there's nothing left for groceries, but you know what? God steps in and makes Himself known in those situations too. He'll give us a bigger than normal check the next week, Tim ends up getting paid for finishing the load plus get detention pay, and we win a free $10 worth of groceries at our favorite grocery store.
Everyone's in a different season, I know this, but what season is this for you? Have you had a year of rest in the past? Are you in your 6 year struggle? Are you ready for your own Shmita? I don't know God's plans for you, but if you read Jeremiah 29: 11, He knows the plans He has for you. Not plans to harm you, but plans to give you a hope and a future. God bless.
