“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8

What if resting was actually a form of obedience… and a doorway to joy? When you think of Sabbath, what comes to mind? Going to church? The Ten Commandments? Religious, rigid rules? Or freedom?

Sabbath is God’s gift! The Hebrew word Shabbat means to stop, to cease, and in that pause, something beautiful begins. God designed it for relationship, with Him, and with the people He places in our lives. And I know this might make some of us squirm a little, but Sabbath isn’t just about going to church or checking a box like your Sunday School envelope. It’s about slowing down, breathing, and delighting in God, and enjoying the people He’s placed in your life. It’s a chance to step off the endless treadmill and experience rest and joy exactly as God intended.

As a goal-setter, a planner, a reader of motivational books, this concept has truly turned my world upside down. It flies in the face of the “work harder, do more, achieve more” mindset. That way of thinking, 24/7, for years, is exhausting. As a pastor’s wife, there are endless things I could be doing, events to be planning, lessons to be studied for, people I could be visiting, social media I could be investing in. And yet, I’m learning that God never intended life to be lived this way ALL. THE. TIME. (Real relationships aren’t built like that anyway…another devotion for another day!😉 I digress…)

As I’m learning to practice Sabbath, I find that it restores me spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and even physically. It’s not just about stopping work, it’s about delighting in God, sharing meals, laughter, and conversation with family and friends, and remembering that rest is part of God’s ORIGINAL design.

For me, Sabbath is very rarely on Sunday. Find the rhythm that works for you to cease from labor and enjoy God.

So here’s the challenge if you’re up to it. This week, set aside even a few hours as your Sabbath. Turn off your to-do list, put your phone down, enjoy a meal with family or friends, laugh, pray, and watch how God shows up when you intentionally stop and delight in Him.