How to Sabbath
What is Sabbath?
Sabbath comes from the word Shabbath, which essentially means: “a holy day of rest.” It is a day set aside from your normal daily routine to rest and dedicate your thoughts and time to God.
Why Sabbath?
Ultimately, the Sabbath was established for our benefit(Mark 2:27). It’s intended to ease our burdens and give us permission to rest.
More than any other commandment, remembering the Sabbath day reminds us that we are meant to be free and to experience freedom in this life.
When we stop to rest, we are giving control of things back to God, which in turn, causes us to trust Him more.
When we Sabbath with others, it creates a deeper connection and opportunities for greater intimacy.
If we work and do nothing but work, we run the risk of placing it before God in terms of importance and make an idol out of it,
When we establish regular rhythms of Sabbath, we are able to see the burdens of others and respond to them in a positive way.
When we don’t stop to rest, we become more stressed and wear ourselves out to the point of burnout and illness.
Bible Reference
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do. Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.
Tips for Sabbath
Choose a day that makes sense: Though according to Mosaic Law, the Sabbath was assigned to Saturdays, you are free to pick a day that makes the most sense to you. The point is you are resting one day a week and sticking to it.
Turn off your screens: It’s likely that your newsfeed is dragging you away from trusting God and seeing the people around you. Turn off your email, notifications, etc. Leave your phone on the charger. Trust God that the world will keep spinning and you can find out about it later.
Don’t work on work stuff: Don’t work on your job, and try to avoid doing too many house projects. Sometimes tinkering on a project can be restful and enjoyable, but more often we are feeding our ego or frustrating our rest by working. So intentionally avoid it.
Pick up a good book: The Bible would be a great place to start, but doesn’t have to be the only book you read. Read something that will connect you with the Lord, even if it is a fictional story that reminds you of the gospel.
Journal and pray: Spend a bit of time asking the Lord to speak to you. Ask Him what he wants you to know, and listen. And write to Him– He wants to hear from you. Feel free to write about your anxieties and let it be a casting of your cares upon Him.
Go outside: Go for a walk. Ride a bike. Go kayaking. Go fishing. Explore a new place. Breath fresh air. See what God made and enjoy it with Him.
Nap: Sometimes taking a nap is the most spiritual thing you can do. A 20-40 minute power nap is wonderful. Especially in a hammock.
Play: Playing could mean a whole host of things. Play board games with your kids. Do some drawing or watercolor painting. Try a jigsaw puzzle. Throw a ball around. You can even watch a movie. Do something that makes you smile. Enjoy the life you have been given.
Eat: Consider preparing enjoyable food ahead of time to minimize the prep necessary, so that you can spend your time on other things.
Books on Sabbath
The Rest of God - Mark Buchanan
Take the Day off - Robert Morris
An Unhurried Life - Alan Fadling