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Some of us may find ourselves WITHOUT COMMUNITY as we observe the Appointed Time of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).
We may find ourselves in a LOCATION where there are few who observe The Father's Commands to observe the Appointed Times.
Some of us find ourselves SINGLE and without community, others may be NEW to walking in His Ways and have not yet found community, and some of us may be THE ONLY FEAST KEEPER in our family.
At Celebrating the Bible, we too have experienced SEASONS OF ISOLATION from community during the Appointed Times and know that it can be incredibly lonely.
Our Heavenly Father sees His Set-apart People striving to walk in His Ways and is near during this SEASON OF ISOLATION we may find ourselves in.
Psalm 34:18
Adonai is near to the broken-hearted, And saves those whose spirit is crushed.
We pray these ideas for connecting with your Creator would bless you!
REST
Leviticus 23:35-36
On the first day is a set-apart gather, you do no servile work...On the eighth day...It is a closing festival, you do no servile work.
-Take time off of work for the week of Sukkot, but for Days 1 and 8 at the very least.
-Slow mornings:
Set yourself up for a slow morning during the Sukkot Shabbats by reciting the Shema upon waking, reading through Psalms whilst sipping warm tea by a window, or taking time to breathe in the changing seasonal air deeply as you meditate on an audio recording of His Word. Have something delicious and out of the norm, something you enjoy, set aside for breakfast. Enjoy immersing yourself in Scripture while you enjoy breakfast.
-Keep your mind postured on the Father:
Listen to music or audio recordings of Scripture as you move about your day. Ask the Ruach (Holy Spirit) to reveal Truths about the Character of the Father
and His Word.
-Pursue time in nature, connecting with your Creator:
You may not feel that you are an artist, but regardless of your ability, taking time to carefully study and draw or paint details of His Creation will reveal aspects of His Character that you have not yet discovered or been shown.
-Scripture tells us to "Be still and know that He is Adonai".
ALLOW HaShem (the Name/GOD) to reveal Truths about Himself, His Son, and His Torah by quieting the world around you enough that you can be still and hear His STILL SMALL VOICE.
OFFERINGS BY FIRE
Leviticus 23:37
These are the appointed times of Adonai which you proclaim as set-apart gatherings, to bring an offering made by fire to Adonai...as commanded for every day
-Praise the Father in prayer and thanksgiving:
Repeat the Father's Word back to Him in your praise and follow the Son's example.
-Worship through instrumental music and/or singing:
Make a joyful noise to the LORD!
Read the teaching HOW DO WE OBEY THE COMMAND TO BRING AN OFFERING MADE BY FIRE DURING THE APOINTED TIMES?
DWELL
-Build a living room sukkah using blankets and sheets:
Lightweight, thin curtain panels are extremely versatile and easy to hand and drape. You may find a stapler, safety pins, or even wooden clothespins helpful. String up twinkle lights to represent the night sky and lay pillows all around for coziness. Use seasonal silk flower/leaf garlands, paper chains, or make foliage representing the 4 varieties used to decorate the roof of a sukkah.
-Construct a sukkah made with a pop-up sports canopy on your deck or patio:
Pin thin sheets or curtains around the canopy. Decorate with twinkle lights and snip cuttings from the trees and foliage in your yard to represent the 4 varieties used to decorate the sukkah.
-Construct a mini campsite in your truck bed:
Lay under the stars, marveling at the Father's handiwork. It's amazing how cozy and quaint you can make the bed of a truck once you add battery operated candles, music, and yummy food with warm drinks!
-Camp in your backyard or at a campground:
You may find some years you stay in a tent and other years in a cabin or camper. Find a way to incorporate aspects of the sukkah by hanging a sign, hanging up a rope between two trees and using clothespins to attach string lights and decor items. You can find fun water-proof items on the birthday aisle in most stores that can be repurposed.
-Order a sukkah-in-a-box or construct a semi-permanent sukkah from wood panels to use year after year, slowly building your collection of decor materials each year.
GATHER
Leviticus 23:35-36
On the first day is a set-apart gathering...On the eighth day there shall be a set-apart gathering for you
-If your family, children included, are feast-keepers along with you...praise the Father that you have an inbuilt community with which you can fellowship!
Spend some time during Sukkot asking the Father to help you make connections and find community in the following months.
-Join a community you are not a part of because of distance and join for the feast:
Sometimes taking off work for a few days or even the week, driving a good distance to fellowship can help make connections and friendships that last a lifetime. Even if lifelong friendships do not develop, just being around others who are apart of The Way can be incredibly encouraging.
-Fellowship in an online community:
Even seeing others building indoor sukkahs just as you are, or working on packing up their camping supplies can help build excitement in our own lives and help us not feel quite so isolated and alone!
-You are never alone with Elohim (GOD) as your Father, the Messiah as your friend and Savior, and the Ruach (Holy Spirit) directing your path!
Even if you DO find yourself without any community this season, remember that the Father desires relationship with you. He desires to hear your thoughts, to receive your praise, and is jealous for your full attention. Keep your mind (heart) postured on Him for a blessed Sukkot