Sabbath Rest

Photo Credit: Grzejan

(By Heather Marshall)

Are you in the habit of taking a Sabbath rest?

For Christians, Sabbath rest is about dedicating a specific period each week for rest and rejuvenation — a time to enjoy your relationship with God and all the blessings that come from being His child.

Author and ministry leader Paul Scazzero defines Sabbath rest as “a twenty-four-hour block of time in which we stop work, enjoy rest, practice delight, and contemplate God.”

Sabbath rest is a gift from God intended for our well-being. We live in a time of grace; we are no longer under the Old Testament laws and rules regarding the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not tied to any particular day of the week, but instead, it is up to each Christian to determine when a Sabbath rest fits best into their schedule.

Therefore, Sabbath rest is not mandated but is a principle reflected in the life of the Lord Jesus and practiced by the early church believers. 

In Matthew 14, we read about Jesus withdrawing by boat to a remote place to be alone. He understood the importance of taking a Sabbath rest and encouraged His disciples to do the same. In Mark 6:31, He said to His disciples, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” 

It’s important to note that Sabbath rest does not mean we are allowed only quiet and solitude. It is about ceasing all paid and unpaid work and instead engaging in activities that restore and replenish us. This could include anything from having coffee with a friend, napping in the sunshine, hiking a trail, reading a good book, enjoying delicious food, or playing sports you love.

When considering what a Sabbath might look like for you, ask yourself, “What gives me joy and delight?” Discover those things and take the time to enjoy them, celebrating God in the process. Contemplate the goodness of God and intentionally look for signs of His love in the things and people He has given us to enjoy.

Doesn’t the practice of Sabbath rest sound amazing?

If you’re like me, reading about this practice is enticing, but when it comes to actually putting it into practice, doubts may arise.

I’m not alone in this experience. Recently, I attended a Christian retreat where we discussed the importance of taking a Sabbath rest. Most participants expressed interest in adopting this practice but were uncertain about how to effectively stop working for a full 24-hour period.

Adopting Sabbath rest requires planning and intentionality; otherwise, work can take over our lives. Implementing this practice will take some forethought.

Personally, I believe the resistance to adopting a practice of Sabbath rest reflects a need for a heart check.

Is my difficulty taking a break from work indicative of a lack of trust in God? Am I worried that the world will come to a standstill if I pause my work? 

In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Jesus promises me Sabbath rest; I need to trust in His yoke. He desires to teach me, and He will provide what is necessary for my rest.

Embracing the practice of Sabbath rest may seem daunting, but it is a transformative journey that invites us to step away from our relentless to-do lists and reconnect with ourselves — and, most importantly, with God.

It encourages us to trust in God's provision, recognizing that the world will keep turning without our constant effort. By intentionally carving out time for rest, joy, and reflection, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and gain a renewed perspective on our lives. 

As you consider how to incorporate Sabbath rest into your life, remember that this practice is not about legalism but about a profound grace that enriches our faith journey.  If you are new to Sabbath rest, starting slowly with a few hours or even a half a day is a great beginning.

Let us take that step of faith together, embracing the fullness of life that God desires for us. It’s time to experience the gift of rest and discover the beauty it brings to our souls.