“Sabbath is more than the absence of work; it is the presence of something that arises when we consecrate a period of time to listen to what is most deeply beautiful, nourishing, or true.”

~ Wayne Muller

Over the past eight years or so, I’ve shared a lot about the importance of observing the Sabbath. I have never written a blog post or a book about it, but I have made social media posts or referenced it in some of my messages. This week I was contacted by two people asking me to share more about this, and provide any resources that might be helpful. So I have decided to focus on this subject for this week’s blog post.

I first started becoming passionate about the Sabbath when I was in my master’s program at Southeastern University. We were required to take a course in spiritual formation and I will never forget our professor asking our class (most of whom were pastors), “How many of you think it’s okay to cheat on your spouse?” No one raised a hand. “How many think it’s okay to kill someone?” Nobody raised a hand. “How many of you believe it’s okay to skip your day off once in a while?” There were multiple hands raised. The professor pointed out that most of us are appalled at the thought of breaking commandments concerning adultery or murder but without thinking much about it, we will break the commandment about taking the weekly day of rest that God has mandated. Studies about the Sabbath were not only a requirement for my masters, but for my doctorate as well. Nothing is more important to stay healthy as a leader than practicing spiritual disciplines, including the Sabbath. Our professor went on to teach us what a Sabbath truly is, and the importance of observing it weekly. One of the books that had a profound affect on me was, Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now by Walter Brueggemann. I highly recommend this book and study guide.

When I was growing up, I mistakenly believed that “honoring the Sabbath” or “remembering the Sabbath,” meant to be faithful to attend church every week. That is not what it means. Quite honestly, Sunday is one of the most exhausting days of the week, for me. It is not a day of rest, at all. Sabbath is not about going to church, It’s about getting rest. When I get home from church, I generally feel totally worn out.

The following are some starter things to know about observing a Sabbath:

Where do we get the concept or the command regarding Sabbath?

The Sabbath originates from the creation in Genesis, when God rested on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). It is later mentioned again in the Ten Commandments as a day of holiness and rest (Exodus 20:8-11).

What does it mean to observe the Sabbath?

Observing the Sabbath involves taking a weekly day (24 hours) of rest. Observing the Sabbath doesn’t mean that you sleep the whole time or that you even lie down and rest during the majority of the 24 hours. It involves doing activities that leave you feeling refreshed and renewed, rather than drained. It would also include spiritual disciplines such as worship, prayer, reflection, meditation, etc. During the Sabbath you cease working and do what restores you.

Does a Sabbath have to be a 24 hour time period of rest?

Ideally, yes. Traditionally in Judaism, the Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. You don’t observe a Sabbath by taking two hours in the afternoon to nap, and then jumping back into a work project. Sabbath is a sustained period of rest.

Is observing the Sabbath just about refraining from work?

No. When you observe the Sabbath, you honor God’s design for doing life. Dedicating yourself to observe one seventh of your week in this way gives you space to honor God, nurture relationships, and renew yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally. Observing a weekly Sabbath helps you to live and lead from a place of wholeness.

What are some additional helpful things to remember in observing a Sabbath?

• Sabbath is the perfect time to spend more time in solitude as well as time with the Lord.
• Sabbath is a good time to unplug and disconnect from technology.
• Sabbath is a time for reflection.
• Sabbath strengthens our trust in God. As we honor the Sabbath, we trust that He will help us with the other six days of the week and our responsibilities at hand.
• Sabbath is a great time for prioritizing communication with those we love — enjoying longer conversations, lingering at the table after meals, and such.
• Sabbath is made so much better by spending some time outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine and spending time enjoying God’s creation is rejuvenating.

What has your experience been with Sabbath? I’d love to hear about it.