“Sabbath … is still a gift to us today. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted the concept of Sabbath will change your life.” —Priscilla Shirer

“Work is a blessing. God has so arranged the world that work is necessary … It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest.” —Elisabeth Elliot”

Do you ever wish there was another day off in your weekend, yet when you did get a little free time, you felt guilty? It doesn’t have to be that way. I’m not saying your calendar will suddenly be wide open, but there is a way to have balance: Sabbath rest.

Purpose of Sabbath Rest

God created rest.

By the seventh day God completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. (Genesis 2:2 HCSB)

He had finished creating the world and man, but on the seventh day he completed his work by creating rest and giving us His example to follow.

You should not feel guilty for taking Sabbath rest because it is a command of God.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: 9 You are to labor six days and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the foreigner who is within your gates. 11 For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy. (Exodus 20:8-11 HCSB)

First, He gave us the example in Genesis. Then, He gave us the command to follow His example. He knew what we needed even before we did.

God reminded them of the command in Deuteronomy:

15 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. (Deuteronomy 5:15 HCSB)

Notice the difference in this verse? In Exodus 20, God told them to keep the Sabbath day holy because He gave it as an example.

In Deuteronomy, He said it was to remind them that He had brought them out of bondage and slavery.

We live in a society that promotes hustling. It promotes filling every minute of your calendar so that you can get more done, make more money, acquire more accolades and possessions. Are we happier? The number of depressed and anxious people in our society says no, we are not.

So, how do you go about getting Sabbath rest? As much as I would love for everyone to be able to take Sundays off, I know that isn’t always possible with jobs, but if it is in your power to do so I recommend it. If not, you can still find space for rest.

It’s like cleaning a closet. If you want more space for what you need, then you have to clean out the things that are taking up space but not fulfilling a purpose. First, you throw away anything that is just trash. Next, you give away things you no longer need. Finally, you reorganize the space for maximum effect.

3 Ways to Create Space for Sabbath Rest Share on X These three steps are a good way to start.

3 Ways to Make Space for Sabbath Rest

Step 1 – Clear Your Calendar

We have to be intentional about making time for Sabbath rest. It won’t just happen. Take a look at your calendar, a close look. Is there anything that needs cutting, especially on Sunday. We all have to eat, and gathering together for worship is part of Sabbath as well, but what can you leave off?

If we are not careful, tasks can get pushed to the last minute. Make a point of doing what you can to prepare ahead of time. You don’t want to start gathering things for work or school on Sunday night in preparation for the week, or you’ll look up at the clock to find two hours have gone by and it’s time for bed.

Step 2 – Clear Your Mind

The world wants to keep us thinking, planning, and worrying. Sabbath rest is about taking a break from not only physical work, but the drain it takes on our mind and our spirit. It won’t come easy, especially not at first, but clear your mind of any thoughts of work.

Instead, do something you enjoy. Rest doesn’t necessarily mean a nap, but by all means have one of those, too, if you can work it in. I enjoy drawing, coloring, hand lettering, and knitting. They relax me and make me happy. What’s something you enjoy doing that you haven’t done in a while? Maybe it’s time to break out an old hobby for a few hours.

Step 3 – Clear Your Heart

Take some time to download all your worries and place them in God’s hands. Sabbath rest is meant to reset our bodies, minds, and spirits. Take some time to pray or journal. Sometimes we don’t know how much something is weighing us down until we release it.

Ask God to search your heart and show you if there is anything you need to confess (Psalm 139:23-24). Confession clears the way for communication with God. Then, you can go into the week with a clear heart.

Make Space

Sabbath rest is a command from God, so we need to find a way to make space for it in our lives. If you can’t do it on Sunday because of a work schedule, then find a few hours during the week to rest your body, mind, and spirit.

Sometimes making space is all about cleaning out what we don’t need to make room for what we do. So, follow these steps:

Step 1 – Clear your calendar.

Step 2 – Clear your mind.

Step 3 – Clear your heart.

A good Sabbath rest will help you be ready to handle whatever the week ahead may hold.

Suggested Reading:

Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer

Whispers of Rets by Bonnie Gray

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