Embracing Sabbath Rest

You finally close your laptop for the day, but your mind doesn’t shut off.
There are still emails to answer.
Tasks unfinished.
Projects waiting for your attention.

And even when you do rest, there’s that nagging feeling that you should be doing more.

But what if rest wasn’t something we had to earn?
What if it was something God commanded—not as a burden, but as a gift?

Because from the very beginning, He designed us to rest.

The Biblical Foundation of Sabbath

The idea of rest isn’t self-care culture.
It’s God’s design.

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God." – Exodus 20:8-10

When God gave this command, He wasn’t suggesting we rest if we have time.
He was establishing a divine rhythm—one that He Himself followed after creation.

Rest isn’t a reward for getting everything done.
It’s a requirement for living well.

How to Begin Honoring the Sabbath in a Busy World

The reality is, most of us don’t have the ability to take a full unplugged day.
Work schedules, responsibilities, and modern demands make it feel impossible.

But honoring the Sabbath isn’t about legalism.
It’s about creating space for renewal.

Here are small ways to start:

✅ Pick a Sabbath Time Frame
If a full day isn’t possible, start with a half-day or even a few intentional hours.
Choose a time that makes sense—Friday night, Saturday morning, or Sunday after church.

✅ Unplug from Work Tasks
Step away from emails, notifications, and anything tied to productivity.
Set up an auto-responder or communicate to clients that you won’t be available.

✅ Create a Sabbath Practice
Spend time reading, praying, journaling, or simply being still.
Go for a walk without distractions.
Enjoy a meal with family or friends—without checking your phone.

Why Sabbath Rest Makes You More Productive

The irony?
Rest doesn’t make you fall behind.

It makes you better.

Rest brings clarity. When you stop rushing, you can see what really matters.

Rest fuels creativity. Some of your best ideas come when your mind finally slows down.

Rest renews motivation. When you return to work, you approach it with energy, not exhaustion.

God knew that without rest, we burn out.

But when we embrace His rhythm, work becomes sustainable—
Not just for our businesses, but for our souls.

Try a Sabbath Practice This Week

You don’t have to get it perfect.
You just have to begin.

📌 Take one intentional step toward Sabbath this week:
Block off a few hours for true rest.
Unplug from distractions.
Focus on worship, relationships, and renewal.

And if you want a simple way to start?
Sign up for “3 Days of Guided Sabbath Practices”—a short email devotional to help you slow down and experience true rest.

[Sign up here!] (Insert link to free devotional series.)

Next week, we’ll talk about how to incorporate prayer into your daily planning—so that faith isn’t just something we fit in, but something that guides everything we do.

Until then, take a breath.
Step back.
And embrace the rest God has already given you.