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Embracing Sabbath Rest Review: The Forgotten Gift of Sabbath

In our culture of constant productivity, the idea of taking a day to rest can feel impractical, even indulgent. Many of us feel that setting aside an entire day for rest is impossible, given the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities. Yet, God instituted the Sabbath not as a burden but as a gift—a sacred pause to recharge our bodies and reconnect with Him.

This week, we explored the biblical principle of Sabbath rest and why it remains relevant today. By understanding its importance and learning how to integrate it into our lives, we can experience the physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal God designed for us.

Ignoring the Sabbath

For many, the concept of Sabbath rest feels outdated or unrealistic. Women often feel pressure to do more, believing that if they don’t keep up, things will fall apart. This mindset creates a cycle of overwork and burnout, leaving little room for reflection or connection with God.

When we ignore rest, we also miss an opportunity to trust God. The Sabbath was designed to remind us that we are not the ones ultimately in control. By setting aside our work, we declare that God is sovereign, capable of providing for our needs, and worthy of our focus. Neglecting the Sabbath isn’t just physically exhausting—it weakens our faith and robs us of the peace God intended for us.

Join me on today’s video as we review our study for this past week and take a deeper look at Embracing Sabbath Rest>> HERE. 

The Biblical Command for Rest

In Exodus 20:8-11, God commands His people:

This command wasn’t given as an arbitrary rule. God modeled rest in creation, taking a day to pause and reflect on His work. If even the Creator of the universe chose to rest, how much more do we need it? The Sabbath is a sacred rhythm that reminds us to align our lives with God’s priorities.

Jesus reaffirmed the purpose of the Sabbath in Mark 2:27, saying,

The Sabbath isn’t about legalistic rules or restrictions—it’s about God’s desire to bless us with rest and renewal. It’s an opportunity to step away from the noise of life and focus on Him.

Embracing the Sabbath as a Lifestyle

Embracing the Sabbath starts with recognizing its value. Rest is not a sign of weakness or laziness—it’s an act of obedience and faith. When we choose to set aside time to rest, we honor God and acknowledge that He is the source of our strength.

One key to embracing the Sabbath is intentionality. In a world that glorifies busyness, resting doesn’t happen by accident. It requires planning and a willingness to prioritize time with God over other distractions. The Sabbath is not just about what we stop doing; it’s about what we choose to do—worship, reflect, and enjoy God’s presence.

Sabbath rest also involves trusting God to provide. When we pause from work, we may worry about falling behind or failing to meet expectations. But God promises that He will sustain us when we honor Him. The Sabbath is a weekly reminder that our worth isn’t tied to productivity but to our identity as His beloved children.

Practical Steps to Embrace Sabbath Rest

Start small. If taking a full day of rest feels overwhelming, begin by setting aside a few hours each week to focus on God. Use this time for prayer, worship, or simply enjoying the beauty of His creation.

Plan ahead. Look at your schedule and identify a time when you can step away from work and responsibilities. Preparing in advance helps ensure that your Sabbath rest is intentional and uninterrupted.

Create a Sabbath practice that brings you joy and renewal. This might include reading Scripture, spending time in nature, sharing a meal with loved ones, or engaging in a hobby that refreshes your spirit. The goal is to focus on activities that draw you closer to God and remind you of His goodness.

Release control. Trust that God is capable of handling what you cannot. By setting aside your work, you demonstrate faith that He will provide for your needs and guide your steps.

Sabbath as a Gift, Not a Burden

The Sabbath is not just a command; it’s a gift from a loving God who knows what we need. By embracing rest, we create space for God to speak into our lives, renew our strength, and deepen our relationship with Him. The Sabbath invites us to step off the treadmill of busyness and into the peace that comes from abiding in His presence.

Jesus modeled this rhythm of work and rest throughout His ministry. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray, even when the demands of His mission were great. His example reminds us that rest is not optional—it is essential for living a life of purpose and faith.

As you embrace Sabbath rest, you’ll discover that it not only refreshes your body but also restores your soul. The peace and renewal you experience will equip you to face life’s challenges with clarity and confidence, grounded in the knowledge that God is your strength.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Sabbath rest. Forgive me for the times I’ve neglected this gift and allowed busyness to consume me. Teach me to trust You with my time and to prioritize rest as an act of faith and obedience. Help me to create space in my life to reconnect with You and to experience the renewal that only You can provide. May my rest be a reflection of my trust in Your goodness and provision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a wonderful weekend – I’ll see you back here on the blog this Monday as we start week 4 of our study: Finding Renewal in Christ!

Grace and peace,

Alicia

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