These days, life constantly feels fast-paced and demanding. We’re either moving from one thing to the next, we’re scrolling endlessly on social media, or we’re thinking about how to get that promotion, the new house, or how much more money we can make. This lifestyle makes finding time to rest and recharge difficult. However, as Christians, the concept of making time for Sabbath rest should be a top-of-the-list priority. In fact, it’s one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11.) Sabbath isn’t simply about taking a day off from work; it is a spiritual discipline that allows us to connect deeper with God, rejuvenate our souls, and find true rest. We should hold the practice of Sabbath rest in high regard. It is a beautiful way to worship God and create intentional time with Him.
Genesis 2:2-3 NIV, says “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” God set the example of Sabbath rest when He created the world. From the very beginning, this practice was put into place. After six days of work, God rested on the seventh day. Not because He was tired, but because he was showing us the importance of rest. In the Bible, Sabbath is referred to as a gift from God, a day to take a break from working and dedicate time to worship, reflection, and enjoying His presence. By setting aside time for a day of Sabbath rest, we acknowledge our dependence on God and recognize that our worth and value are not solely based on the things we can accomplish. It’s a time to prioritize our spiritual well-being and nurture our relationship with the Creator of the universe.
When we intentionally set aside a day for Sabbath, we create space for restoration. It allows us to get away from the demands of work and the distractions of our day-to-day lives, and focus on what truly matters. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and recharge spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Disconnecting from the busyness of the world and reconnecting with God gives us true rest for our bodies, minds, and souls.
While setting aside a full day of rest is encouraged and how many people partake in Sabbath, it isn’t necessarily limited to a single day. If you can’t take a full 24 hours, you can start by incorporating Sabbath principles into your daily routine and prioritizing rest and reflection regularly. I would encourage you to intentionally create moments of rest, even in the midst of a busy schedule, so you can experience the peace and rejuvenation that comes from aligning yourself with God.
When we start to embrace Sabbath as a gift and prioritize God’s true design for rest in our lives, we can experience renewal, restoration, and a deeper connection with Him. Let us remember that rest is not a luxury, but a crucial part of our lives. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” May you find peace, rejuvenation, and refreshment as you enter into the rest that God has prepared for you.
Here is a list of activities you can incorporate into your Sabbath day:
- Eating a Sabbath meal (this is a common way to start your Sabbath period!)
- Worshipping
- Going on a walk
- Taking a nap
- Reading (especially scripture)
- Quiet times
- Spending time with family and community
These days, life constantly feels fast-paced and demanding. We’re either moving from one thing to the next, we’re scrolling endlessly on social media, or we’re thinking about how to get that promotion, the new house, or how much more money we can make. This lifestyle makes finding time to rest and recharge difficult. However, as Christians, the concept of making time for Sabbath rest should be a top-of-the-list priority. In fact, it’s one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11.) Sabbath isn’t simply about taking a day off from work; it is a spiritual discipline that allows us to connect deeper with God, rejuvenate our souls, and find true rest. We should hold the practice of Sabbath rest in high regard. It is a beautiful way to worship God and create intentional time with Him.
Genesis 2:2-3 NIV, says “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” God set the example of Sabbath rest when He created the world. From the very beginning, this practice was put into place. After six days of work, God rested on the seventh day. Not because He was tired, but because he was showing us the importance of rest. In the Bible, Sabbath is referred to as a gift from God, a day to take a break from working and dedicate time to worship, reflection, and enjoying His presence. By setting aside time for a day of Sabbath rest, we acknowledge our dependence on God and recognize that our worth and value are not solely based on the things we can accomplish. It’s a time to prioritize our spiritual well-being and nurture our relationship with the Creator of the universe.
When we intentionally set aside a day for Sabbath, we create space for restoration. It allows us to get away from the demands of work and the distractions of our day-to-day lives, and focus on what truly matters. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and recharge spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Disconnecting from the busyness of the world and reconnecting with God gives us true rest for our bodies, minds, and souls.
While setting aside a full day of rest is encouraged and how many people partake in Sabbath, it isn’t necessarily limited to a single day. If you can’t take a full 24 hours, you can start by incorporating Sabbath principles into your daily routine and prioritizing rest and reflection regularly. I would encourage you to intentionally create moments of rest, even in the midst of a busy schedule, so you can experience the peace and rejuvenation that comes from aligning yourself with God.
When we start to embrace Sabbath as a gift and prioritize God’s true design for rest in our lives, we can experience renewal, restoration, and a deeper connection with Him. Let us remember that rest is not a luxury, but a crucial part of our lives. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” May you find peace, rejuvenation, and refreshment as you enter into the rest that God has prepared for you.
Here is a list of activities you can incorporate into your Sabbath day:
- Eating a Sabbath meal (this is a common way to start your Sabbath period!)
- Worshipping
- Going on a walk
- Taking a nap
- Reading (especially scripture)
- Quiet times
- Spending time with family and community