When was the last time you ceased? Stopped? Rested?
If you struggle to remember (or if your answer is “the last time I was too sick to get out of bed”), then you may benefit from reading more about rest in Hebrews 4:9-11 where it says,
“Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.”
It is a gift to be able to cease working and enjoy the fruits of our labor, to follow the example of our loving Heavenly Father.
I’ve discovered two specific ways to incorporate Sabbath rest into my day-to-day life:
1. Rest at Work
When we live according to God’s design, we can rest in His strength and provision even while we work.
2. Work at Rest
When we understand the importance of resting from our work, we find the courage necessary to embrace the hard work of rest.
Just think of all the mighty and glorious things God could have accomplished if he continued to work on the seventh day.
But He didn’t, and we shouldn’t either.
I’ve seen too many people allow the demands of ministry – of work – to dictate their schedule and deprive them of Sabbath rest.
And, although they may be able to survive, they never truly thrive.
Because a life without rest is a rebellion against God’s design.
I invite you to join me for this FREE 6-week video series and guided Scripture reading plan on Sabbath rest. Together, we will learn why God established the Sabbath and the glorious blessings it holds for us when we choose to receive it as a gift. Let’s learn how to create space for sacred rest together!
To complete this free online Bible study, you need only 15 minutes per day and an email address. Sign up today, and we will send you this beautiful digital print created by Libby Denniston as a thank-you gift!
When we stop pushing ourselves and learn how to create space for Sabbath rest, we discover the kind of life we were created to live.
A life full of peace, hope, understanding, and purpose.
I recently had the opportunity to share how Sabbath rest has enriched my family life on the Practical Family Podcast with Jenn Bryant.
As parents, our lives can become so busy that we forget to stop and enjoy the blessings of God’s provision.
Jenn is learning how to weave Sabbath rest into her weekly experience, and I just loved reading a few of her takeaways from our conversation:
My biggest pet peeve is falling behind. I continually push the boundaries because I have a natural tendency to chase more and do the next thing.
I’ve always equated the idea of Sabbath rest with Sundays and attending church. But the more opportunities for service, the busier we got.
I’ve burned out many times, but quietly, never letting on that “working for the Lord” was too much for me. But Sabbath is not supposed to be that way.
This conversation with Sarah blessed my heart and reinforced the Biblical command of Sabbat rest. It challenged me to consider ways to slow down, stop striving, and leave time open to rest in Him.
Reclaiming my Sabbath is protecting my God-given day. It’s saying no to a world that would love to keep me busy with their problems, and saying yes to God who created me for better things. –Jenn Bryant, Practical Family Podcast
We know you are busy, so we’ve shared some important time-stamps below so you can jump to the portion of the interview that interests you most:
4:45 | Why Sarah began to study the Sabbath 6:00 | Sabbath rest in Scripture 10:15 | Permission from God to rest 17:50 | How to guard your time 20:30 | How to rest with young kids 25:35 | A message for creatives 27:35 | What makes this Bible study unique
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
I can’t wait to hear your testimony of how God uses the spiritual discipline of Sabbath rest to transform your life!
This blog was originally published on June 12, 2018. During Sarah Koontz’s Sabbatical in 2024, we will be sharing some of our favorite articles and e-mails from the archives with you. Thank you for praying for Sarah and her family as they enjoy this beautiful season of Sabbath rest.
We believe God revealed a blueprint for life within the pages of the Bible and are passionate about creating free resources to help Christians explore God’s beautiful design for their lives.
Sarah Koontz is the founder of Living by Design Ministries, a non-profit organization that exists to deliver free Bible Studies to inboxes around the world. She is a passionate storyteller who enjoys using illustrations to communicate deep spiritual truths. Sarah and her husband Ryan live on thirteen acres in the heart of the Black Hills, SD. They have two beautiful daughters, a rowdy flock of chickens, and a house full of foster kittens. Sarah is an avid gardener, a faithful coffee drinker, lover of one-pot-dinners, an unexpected homeschooler, and a Dallas Seminary student.
