How to Have the Best Sabbath

Contributing Writer

Updated August 09, 2023

PLUS

In the beginning, God spent six days creating light, water, sky, land, the seas, fruits, vegetables, stars, the moon, the sun, the birds, the fish, the animals, and people. After all of this creativity and work, the Lord rested on the seventh day. We see from the very beginning an example of work and rest. Later on, the fourth commandment is given to Moses and tells us to remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8). We then witness Jesus in the New Testament valuing rest and time away with the Father (Mark 6:31). How can we have the best Sabbath?

1. Prioritize time each week

When we get into a routine of setting aside the space to enter into the rest God has for us, we are more likely to create that discipline. Whether your schedule is the same every week or not, find time to rest and get away from the busy.

2. Rest in the opposite way you work

I once heard from a podcast, “If you work with your hands, rest with your mind. And if you work with you mind, rest with your hands.” This was a profound statement to me. If I am physically exerting myself at work all week, I need to physically be still and rest with my mind through reading, writing, crosswords, puzzles, etc. If I am intellectually working all week, I need to rest with my hands through something such as walking, sports, biking, painting, pottery, etc. Resting with God does not mean reading the Bible all day or praying all day. Although it could be this, it can also mean reflecting on the Lord all day and dedicating the day of rest to Him. We can invite Jesus into our fun days off.

3. Learn your barriers to resting

If we are unaware of our barriers to resting, we will not recognize the enemy we are fighting against. It is important that we grow in our self-awareness and learn the weaknesses we each face when it comes to the Sabbath. The enemy wants to prevent this gift from being received, so he will try to come against your time off with God. We must be on our guard and combat the lies of the enemy.

4. Invite fun into your sabbath

Some people think that a sabbath has to be a day-long Bible Study. If that is joyful and peaceful to you, go for it. However, if you want to go on a hike and admire God’s creation, enjoy! If you want to shoot basketball hoops and ponder Scripture while you play, go for it! If you want to reflect on the love of God and paint something beautiful, try that. When we think of rest, it is valuable to have a broader perspective than just sitting down. Rest is a state of being, not just a physical position.

Emma Danzey Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.

How to Have the Best Sabbath

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