We all know about Shabbat and the concept of working for six days while resting on the seventh. Shabbat is the day of rest according to the Bible.
The same principle applies to the seventh year in agriculture. It is considered the year of rest for the fields. The fields are worked for six years, and on the seventh, the land must rest. It is called “Shmita” — release.
At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release (shmita)
Deuteronomy 15:1
It is God’s way of saying to the people of Israel: “Trust me. I will bless your fields, as you work them for six years. On the seventh year let the land rest, and I will take care of you even in your rest.”
That requires faith. People of Israel haven’t always been following God’s instructions, however, when they did, God blessed them tremendously. Before the seventh year comes, people need to make the decision: whatever happens, next year is the year of rest. We will not work the fields, but we will trust in the Lord — our provider.
For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year, the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest.
Leviticus 25:3-5
God says He will take care of us, no matter what, even when we don’t work, He will provide.
Currently, there are many farmers in the land of Israel who honor the Word of God and the concept of the seventh year of rest for the land. They do not sow, nor harvest their crops, but rather leave the land to rest and produce freely, without working it.
You can pass through orchards and fields in Israel, and see an abundance of fruit that aren’t harvested. People passing by are welcome to take it, but the farmers won’t reap nor work the land purposefully.
It might seem wasteful, but God has a purpose behind such command. Sometimes rest might seem counterproductive, but God is using that time of rest to restore and reset something that will produce an even greater harvest later on.
When I read about Shmita — the year of release in the Bible, I think about our life and our faith. God gives us different directions in life, but one thing is common between all of us; God wants us to trust Him, while He takes care of us.
You can see that the fields during Shnat Shmita (the year of rest/release) are still producing amazing fruit, even while the farmers let their land rest.
I pray when people look at you and your life, they will see the same amazing fruit in your life even when you rest and do not work for it. That is called the Blessing of the Lord. They will see it and recognize God’s hand in your life.
Just as God blessed the fields of Israel, even during the year of rest — I pray the Lord will bless all the fields of your life, your home, business, relationships, family, ministry, and church. May people see the abundant blessing of God on the fields of your life during this year of rest.