Resting in God’s Promise: The Importance of Sabbath in a Busy Work Life

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work… (Exodus 20:8-10)

Sabbath Rest

We wear busy like a badge of honor. Ask someone how they’re doing, and the response is often a predictable, “Oh, you know, busy!” It’s as if constant productivity has become the ultimate proof of our worth. But what if I told you the most productive thing you could do this week is… nothing?

Enter the Sabbath, God's reminder to pause, breathe, and remember who we are beyond our to-do lists. God, in His wisdom, etched rest into the rhythm of creation. Six days of work are followed by one day of sacred stillness. Not because God was exhausted after crafting the cosmos, but because He knew we would be.

The Spiritual Reboot

Taking a Sabbath isn’t just about physically recharging; it’s about recalibrating our souls. It’s a day to step back and acknowledge that the world spins just fine without our constant striving. Practicing Sabbath reminds us that our identity isn’t wrapped up in our productivity. Our worth is not measured by output, but by the unshakable truth that we are God’s beloved.

Examples from Jesus’ Life

Even Jesus, who carried the weight of the world’s salvation, practiced intentional rest. Time and again, we see Him withdraw to quiet places to pray and reflect. In Mark 6:31, Jesus said to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” After the exhausting work of ministering to the crowds, He prioritized rest — a reminder that even the most meaningful work requires pauses.

In Luke 5:16, we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Whether it was after feeding the five thousand or before making significant decisions, He intentionally stepped away from the noise to commune with the Father.

These moments of rest were not acts of laziness but of dependence on God. They were a declaration that strength and clarity come not from constant activity, but from intentional stillness.

Emotional Restoration

When we neglect rest, we risk running on emotional fumes. The Sabbath offers a reset for our overstimulated minds and weary hearts. It’s a time to reflect, reconnect with loved ones, and delight in the simple joys we often overlook in our hurried lives. The laughter of family, the beauty of creation, the silence that allows us to hear God’s gentle whisper — these are the gifts of Sabbath.

Physical Renewal

Our bodies are not machines. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress are worn like badges of productivity, but they’re really signs of imbalance. God’s command to rest isn’t a burden; it’s a blessing. Sabbath is an act of worship that honors the temple of our bodies. A well-rested body is a more joyful and resilient one.

Creating Space for Sabbath

You might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but have you seen my calendar?” The truth is, Sabbath requires intentionality. It won’t happen by accident. Start by designating time — whether it’s an entire day or a few sacred hours. Unplug from emails, mute notifications, and resist the urge to tackle that nagging list of chores. Instead, engage in activities that restore and refresh you. Read, pray, take a walk, or simply sit in stillness.

And here’s the kicker: Sabbath isn’t a reward for finishing all your work. It’s a reminder that your value is not contingent on your productivity. God’s grace invites us to rest in the midst of unfinished tasks.

Living the Promise

When we embrace Sabbath, we declare our trust in God. We affirm that He is the ultimate sustainer, not us. It’s a weekly reminder that our time, our work, and our lives are in His hands.

So, this week, dare to defy the culture of hustle. Rest. Recharge. Remember whose you are. In the sacred pause of Sabbath, you may just find the renewal your soul has been longing for.