7 Tips on How to Embrace the Sabbath in a Busy World

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by instant gratification, information overload and the million entertainment options we have available? Me too. The good news is we have a solution readily available to us! God created the Sabbath as a means for us to rest and refresh. Today that might mean several things: unplugging, having a day off to rest or even spending quality time with our loved ones.

As I was writing this article, I thought of two questions: How can we be modern-day people with a biblical perspective on the Sabbath? And how can we intentionally set aside time to rest in the presence of God?

Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV) provides some guidance, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”.

We see physical rest when we “lie down,” we see a beautiful place in the “green pastures,” we see quietness in the “still waters” and we see soul care in holy behavior or activities.

How do these principles appear in action? Let’s examine seven ways we can practice Sabbath rest.

Understand What the Sabbath Isn’t

The Sabbath is not a set of rules. It is not about restriction. Different sects and times of history have created laws around the Sabbath, but Jesus never did. The word itself simply means rest.

Of course, we are also meant to honor the Sabbath and set it apart as a day of worship, but that does not mean sitting in stiff-backed chairs without smiling while reading only the Bible all day long.

Instead, we need to make decisions that allow us to rest in God individually. Here are a few options.

Put Something Off

In order to observe the Sabbath well, we need to determine what hinders us from feeling free to rest or be close to the Lord. Scripture tells us to “lay aside every weight” (Hebrews 12:1, ESV).

Is cooking or cleaning a burden that distracts you or keeps you frantically rushing? If so, consider a snack dinner, cooking double on Saturdays, or even ordering in on a certain day that you have set aside for the Sabbath.

Do you live in a busy and noisy place? Plan outings on your Sabbath. Do you work on a computer a lot, and it tires your eyes and back? Perhaps you need a screen-free sabbath.

Consider that it detracts from your ability to connect to God and remove that thing.

Put Something On

What is it that fills you up? How do you feel rested? Attempt to add in some of those activities, foods or practices on your Sabbath day.

Does nature help you feel closer to the Lord? Go for a walk, hike, or spend time in your garden or at a local garden. Do you enjoy naps or reading? Set aside specific time for these activities. What do you find yourself saying, I wish I could . . .” about? Integrate those things into your Sabbath day.

Make it Holy

Remember, the root reason for the Sabbath is to receive our rest from the one who created it. You could attend church, listen to a sermon, read scripture, practice memorizing a verse, read a Bible-based book or a missionary story or listen to one on audio while you walk. You might choose to play inspiring music or put on a podcast while cooking a special sabbath meal.

These activities can be done over a day to weave holiness throughout your Sabbath. Jesus himself spent a lot of time in Synagogues, teaching, and meeting with other religious leaders on the Sabbath.

Make it Memorable

Setting apart your day in some unique way will help you to stay faithful in commemorating it. Perhaps there is a food you only eat on the Sabbath, or maybe you reserve special tablecloths or candlesticks for this day. You might choose to dress up or dress down after church into a comfy outfit reserved for your day of rest. You could even save a book for only this day or make a special dessert for the Sabbath.

Creating traditions around the Sabbath will leave you excited for the next time you can commune with God in this way.

God often commands his people to set up memorials or traditions to remember Him and what He has done: “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them” (Joshua 4:6, ESV). These traditions can also become a way for you to teach others how to observe the Sabbath well.

Make it Sensory

David’s experience of rest included his senses. He mentions what he sees, hears, and even touches. Consider the smells (candles, foods, simmer pots, flowers), tastes (tea, food, treats), touch (blankets, clothing fabric, grass, sand, pet fur), sound (music, birdsong, creeks), and sight (sunlight or candlelight, views from your window or yard, views from a drive).

Experiencing Sabbath with all of our senses will make the experience more immersive. God himself speaks of His love and His word in terms of the senses many times.

Make it Beautiful

David’s description also touches on the beauty around him. Try to add beauty to your Sabbath:

• A journal with a lovely cover for sabbath journaling.
• A pretty dress or blouse to wear to church.
• A bouquet on the table that is refreshed each Sabbath.
• Your best china.
• A clean house.

All of these are forms of beauty. God is the Creator of beauty, and whenever we indulge in or witness it, we experience one of His good gifts.

Make it Yours

The best part of the Sabbath is that it is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Our God is personal, so personalize your Sabbath experience. Trying to do it in someone else’s prescribed way will only lead to frustration—not rest.

Craft a Sabbath that leads to refreshment in your own heart, your relationship with Jesus, and your family. Graciously, God has made this possible through the wondrous variety of goodness He has placed in our world. So, pause in your busy life and make a plan for the Sabbath.