If you’ve been around my corner of the internet for even a few days, you’ve probably read something about slowing down, rest, or Sabbath. This is perhaps the only spiritual practice that I lean toward legalism on. But for me, this is necessary.
An intentional time each week of resting with God is as necessary to my life and faith as a simple daily prayer or regular Bible reading. I literally cannot function in my purpose without this focused abiding time.
In my normal routine at home, my Sabbath typically looks like:
- Sleeping in
- Eating a tasty breakfast sandwich
- Having a slow morning reading, journaling, and praying
- Spending quality time with my husband
- Walking in nature
- Doing things I enjoy like puzzles and watching movies
Basically, it’s a day with no focus on my responsibilities in this world and wholly devoted to delighting in the Lord and the way he made me. It’s connected to my purpose without producing something from it. It’s resting in the gift of his grace and living out Mark 2:27, Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
While I’m in Costa Rica, my routine is anything but normal! Each day is full of people, programs, and multiple languages. But I knew Sabbath was still going to need to be a priority for me. I have struggled missing it for just one week, so I knew I wouldn’t last a full month without it!
As a missionary, Sabbath is not only possible, but perhaps even more necessary than when I’m in my normal home, routine, and context. Here’s a glimpse into my Sabbath last week:
- Added the spiritual practice of fasting to spend the time I would normally be eating to instead be intentional with God
- Spent an extra hour in the morning reading, praying, and journaling
- Chatted with a trusted friend who just “gets” me
- Video chatted with my husband and spent some time catching up
- Didn’t attend one of the programs that I normally would
- Took a nap
Although it wasn’t a full 24 hours like I’m used to, it was refreshing, rejuvenating, and restorative to my soul. After about 6 hours I felt like myself again; I felt like who God is calling me to be.
It’s easy to think Sabbath can be a lazy day or boring. Or that it has to be filled with only reading the Bible and praying, but this is just not true! There’s so many ways to plan and prepare a Sabbath day.
One of my favorite resources for this is Legacy Roots Co The Ultimate Sabbath Guide for the Modern-Day Christian. It gives step-by-step guidance to help you understand what Sabbath is, how to plan and prepare for it, and troubleshooting as you go about your weeks to guide you into a life of more peace. It comes as a workbook you can go through as an individual or as a family.
Another resource I love is John Mark Comer’s book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. This speaks more to the culture we live in rather than offering a how-to guide, and may be more helpful for those just beginning to explore what a weekly day of rest could mean for their lives.
How do you Sabbath?
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