3 Ways You Can Practice Sabbath Today
I look forward to taking a Sabbath day all week. Knowing the sweet rest that is ahead of me gives me the motivation to work diligently and thoroughly. I could write a book on this subject, but the Sabbath is a day where you set aside the entire day to spend extended time with the Lord and do things that you find restful healing, and life-giving.
If you have never taken a Sabbath day, here are a couple of practical ways to get started:
Do the opposite of your regular cadence. I work in an office job, and I would never use the word “fun” to describe my job. It is a lot of policy writing and application so to balance out my life, I like to engage in fun activities when laughing until my side hurts is on the agenda. From playing with the kids in my life to watching funny X-Factor auditions to dance parties in the kitchen, I love anything that gets me loose and laughing.
Take time to just sit. This one took some endurance to build up to, but sitting in the sunny spot by the window in my apartment like a cat is one of my favorite things. I long for the peace that settles in my soul as I sit and be still with God. When was the last time you turned off the TV, turned off the music, put down the phone, and just sat and looked out the window? When was the last time your mind was as peaceful and quiet as the morning ocean waves over a sunrise?
Don’t fall into instant gratification during the week. I invite you to try to delay the “treat yourself” culture to your Sabbath. Skip your morning Starbucks for a week then get one on your Sabbath. Eat at home all week then go out with friends or get your favorite takeout on your Sabbath. Say “no” to yourself more and watch how you start to look forward to things you once took for granted. We live in a culture that wants to “treat myself” after every little thing we do, and while I am all for celebrating the little wins, I think we sometimes take it too far and indulge too much so eventually we need more and more to feel gratified. Pray for self-control and discipline throughout the week so you can enjoy the sweetest things on your Sabbath day.
The Sabbath is one of the sweetest times with the Lord. I like to worship Him through music and memorizing passages from the bible. I like to talk with Him like He is my best friend and we are just spending time together. I’m praying that your eyes are opened to the wonders of Sabbath and that your soul would find the deep rest it so dearly desires. Your Sabbath may change a lot depending on what you need or what season you are in, and you may feel like you aren’t doing it “right,” but always remember the Sabbath was made for you by God as a gift to show His love.
Mia Basciano
Guest Writer | gentle and lowly co. Ambassador
This journal entry was written by one of our gentle and lowly co. ambassadors. You can learn more about our ambassador program here.
