Sabbath Rest: How to Reclaim Your Time and Find Peace in Your Schedule
Sabbath Rest: How to Reclaim Your Time and Find Peace in Your Schedule
Have you ever felt like you're constantly chasing the clock? Like, no matter how many tasks you check off your to-do list, there's never enough time, never enough peace? I used to feel that way, too. For years, I struggled with time management, always believing that being busy meant I was as important. But then I discovered something that changed everything: the Sabbath.
If you're like me - overflowing with ideas and projects but feeling overwhelmed about where to even start - this one might be for you.
What Exactly Is The Sabbath?
Let me start with the basics. The word "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, which simply means "rest." When I first read about it in the Bible, it clicked. In the Book of Genesis, God spent six days creating the world, and on the seventh day, He did something revolutionary: He stopped. He looked at His creation, and He rested.
Here's the verse:
"Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made" (Genesis 2:1-3, NKJV).
So I had to ask myself: If God - the Creator of everything - rested, why aren't we doing the same?
Why We Lost Sight of Rest
We're caught up in a hustle culture. We're constantly scrolling through social media, watching influencers make huge life decisions in seconds, and feeling pressured to do the same. We've handed over our decision-making power to everyone but ourselves. And honestly? We're exhausted because of it.
Why The Sabbath Matters More Than You Think
The Sabbath is holy. It's one dedicated day where you intentionally spend time with God - and I mean really spend time with Him. No cooking, no cleaning, no work, no emails. Just you and the Lord.
You're not just sitting there doing absolutely nothing. You can engage in meaningful, spiritually nourishing activities like:
- Praying and prayer journaling
- Listening to sermons and praise and worship
- Bible study and meditation
- Reading devotionals
- Enjoying faith-based messages
- Spending time in biblical activities with your family (or creating your own traditions if you don't have kids)
When you actually listen, something profound shifts. In the quiet, away from the noise of the world, you hear God speak to your heart. You get clarity on decisions you've been wrestling with. You find answers to questions that have been weighing on you. And when you take those insights into your week? That's when you see transformation in your life, your ministry and business.
When Does The Sabbath Actually Fall?
Saturday. Yes, that Saturday - the day you've been using to run errands, catch up on housework, and meet up with friends.
I know what you're thinking. But let me ask you something: What's more important? Spending time with God, experiencing His peace and presence, and actually resting? Or running around exhausted, spending money you don't need to, and coming home frustrated?
A Sabbath day is not a "normal" day. It's intentional. It's holy. And it's when you can finally release all those feelings and emotions that have been tormenting you for weeks. It's when you can get to know God better, ask Him your hard questions, and actually hear His answers.
The Problem With Being Too Busy
Here's something I learned the hard way: When we're constantly busy, we can't hear God. He doesn't enter into spaces filled with chaos and stress. But, when we intentionally create space for Him? When we slow down enough to listen? That's when the real breakthrough happens. That's when confusion turns into clarity, and spiritual stagnation becomes spiritual growth.
How To Actually Make The Sabbath Work
Ready to give this a try? Here are the real, practical steps that made the difference.
Be Intentional From The Start
Don't just stumble into your Sabbath day. Make a decision about it, write it down, and stick with it. You might need to be firm (but respectful!) with the people around you who are used to your availability. The goal is to create a day where you and everyone close to you can experience uninterrupted, focused time with God. If you have young children, make it fun for the whole family rather than a burden. It can be a beautiful family tradition.
Block Your Time Like Your Life Depends On It
And I mean really block it. No phone calls, no texts, no "quick" check off social media. This is the hardest part- we're all addicted to our devices. It will be uncomfortable at first, but that's when the breakthrough happens. As Scripture reminds us: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15, NKJV).
When you actually immerse yourself in God's Word without distractions? It's more fulfilling than you can imagine. You might find yourself asking, "Why didn't I start sooner?"
Tell Others You're Unavailable
You don't owe anyone an explanation (this is for those who apologize too much or overexplain). Your Sabbath is between you and God (I will address that this also goes when you're fasting). Let the people who normally text you, call you, and video chat with you know that this day is off-limits. When you prioritize God this way, you're not just resting - you're honoring Him. And He notices.
Prepare The Day Before
This is crucial: stop working the day of your Sabbath. No extra shifts, no housework (no video games!!), no "just quickly finishing this work email." Even if you work from home, it all needs to pause.
I know this sounds counter-intuitive in a world that celebrates hustle, but here's the truth: God blesses our work when we honor His rest.
Don't get caught in the trap of trying to please God and other people. As Paul wrote: "For I am now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10, ESV).
Trying to live for both will tear you apart. When you feel that internal conflict, stop and ask yourself: which choice brings me true peace?
Prepare Your Meals in Advance
One of my favorite things about the Sabbath? I don't have to cook that day. (Honestly, hallelujah! 🙌)
Prepare your meals the day before so you're ready to eat or just need to heated up. It's a small thing, but it matters because God is longing for your presence, not your productivity.
Think about it: We ignore God all week. We don't acknowledge Him, we barely thank Him, and we complain to Him more than we worship. How would you feel if someone did that to you? That's exactly how it is from God's perspective. So when you carve out this day to be with Him, make sure you actually follow through. Make it intentional. It's considered integrity. Do it every single week. And be grateful for His goodness while you're doing it.
The Real Impact
I hope you now understand not just what the Sabbath is, but why it matters so much. It only takes ONE day. Seven days in a week, and you're dedicating one to the One Who created you and gave you life. That’s not too much to ask.
Do this with your family. Do this with your spouse if you don't have kids. Share it with others so they can experience the same peace and clarity that you will. Because when we all start honoring God's pattern of rest, everything changes.
Kingdom Timekeepers, may God bless you abundantly in everything you do. I can't wait to see you in the next one.
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SABBATH REST GUIDE
Reclaiming Peace in a World That Never Stops
"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
What Is the Sabbath?
Sabbath (Hebrew: shabbat) means "to cease, to stop, to rest." God rested on the seventh day—not because He was tired, but to set a rhythm for us. The Sabbath is holy, intentional, and focused on God.
When Is the Sabbath?
Saturday (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). This is the day God blessed and set apart as holy.
Sabbath Activities
Prayer & Journaling
Worship & Sermons
Bible Study
Meditation
Family Devotions
Rest & Reflection
Friday Prep Checklist
- Complete all work tasks
- Clean and organize home
- Prepare Saturday meals
- Charge devices, put away
- Set out Bible & journal
- Notify others you're unavailable
- Plan family activities
5 Steps to Honor the Sabbath
1. Decide and Commit
Choose your Sabbath day. Write it down. Protect it. Make it a family tradition.
2. Disconnect Completely
No phone calls, texts, emails, or social media. Disconnect from the world to reconnect with God.
3. Set Boundaries
Let people know you're unavailable. You're not being rude—you're being obedient.
4. Prepare the Day Before
Finish work on Friday. Clean your house. Wrap up projects. No "just one more thing."
5. Prep Meals in Advance
Prepare meals the day before. God wants your presence, not your productivity.
Why the Sabbath Matters
When you slow down enough to listen, everything shifts. You start hearing God's voice again. You gain clarity on decisions. You receive peace. When you carry that into your week, transformation begins.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
— Matthew 11:28
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