Sabbath: Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World
Who else feels like they’re living life in fast-forward?
You’re running errands, attending sports practices, juggling a packed schedule—and maybe you’re feeling drained and burnt out. No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to catch up on housework. That good book on your bedside table? It remains unread because, by the time everyone else is tucked in and the house is cleaned, your eyes won’t stay open a minute longer. The second your head hits the pillow, you’re out.
Do you have a show you love—but you’ve watched the same episode five times because you fall asleep five minutes in?
If that sounds like you, you are not alone.
I know the “running on fumes” feeling all too well. I’m sure many of us do. But here’s the truth: we were never meant to live this way. And more importantly—we don’t have to.
Jesus Taught Us a Better Way.
So how do we overcome this exhaustion?
We follow the way Jesus modeled:
- We seek rest.
- We prioritize.
- We set limits.
What Is True Rest?
This rest I’m talking about isn’t just a lazy day on the couch—though that can be great too.
In Scripture, rest is called the Sabbath. It’s a sacred day of delight.
And that word—delight—means a source of great pleasure.
So think about it: how pleasurable does a day off from cooking, cleaning, running around, and doing all the things sound?
(You got me there, God.)
Our family is still learning how to incorporate Sabbath into our lives, but here’s what it’s starting to look like:
- Start the week with rest. Sabbath should be the first day of your week—not a reward at the end.
- Prep ahead. Make simple meals that are easy to reheat or grab on the go.
- Dishes? We go disposable—biodegradable, of course. Straight to the compost!
- Clean in advance. We tidy the house top to bottom so nothing nags at us during our rest day. (Let’s be honest—if you’re like me, it’s hard to relax when things are messy.)
Enjoying the Gift of Time
The best part of Sabbath? Quality time.
Take a walk. Watch a movie. Play games. Spend time with your family or friends.
Or simply sit still and disconnect from the busy world around you. Let your soul breathe.
Exodus 20:8–11
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
God didn’t need rest.
But He chose to rest—to show us that we do.
We are made in His image, and He gave us the Sabbath as a gift and example.
The Benefits of Rest
The benefits of Sabbath go far beyond relaxation.
They’re physical, mental, and spiritual.
Physical Benefits:
- Muscle repair
- Reduced inflammation
- Immune support
- Hormone regulation
- Energy restoration
- Lower stress and blood pressure
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
- Improved cognitive function
- Emotional stability
- Stress relief
- Better mood
- Enhanced creativity
Spiritual Benefits:
- Peace and calm
- Spiritual renewal
- Deeper connection with God
- Mental clarity and strength
- Freedom from striving
- Increased joy and fulfillment
God designed rest for our well-being.
It renews us.
It helps us live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
My Challenge to You
I want to challenge you:
Pick one day a week for the next 60 days and dedicate it to rest.
- Don’t check work emails or answer business calls.
- Turn off your phone or computer, if possible.
- Be fully present.
- Read that book or devotional you’ve been putting off.
- Watch that show without falling asleep.
- Most importantly: give your family your undivided attention.
If you’re a busybody like me, I dare you—don’t get in your car for 24 hours.
After 60 days, I’d love to hear from you!
Send me a message on one of my social media pages (linked in my About Me) or leave a comment on this blog. Tell me what it did for you—and whether you plan to keep your Sabbath going forward.
And if you mess up? Have grace. God does.
This Is How We Thrive
This is how we manage the chaos of busy seasons.
This is how we grow closer to God.
This is how we deepen our connection with our families.
This is how God tells us to care for ourselves.
Prioritizing What Matters
It’s crucial to prioritize your time.
List your tasks from most important to least—and be honest with yourself. What can you cut out? What can you let go?
When we give ourselves breathing room, we become more patient, more present, and more peaceful. Overwhelm leads to irritability—and let’s be honest, no one wants to be around someone who’s wound too tight.
Setting Boundaries & Saying No
Here’s the truth: we MUST set limits.
I used to feel so guilty for saying no to things—birthday parties, celebrations, even church events. I’d try to convince myself it was okay, but still felt like I had to justify it.
Why do we do that?
Why do we feel anxious or ashamed for honoring our limits?
We don’t owe anyone an explanation.
And in most cases, it won’t matter in five, ten, or twenty years that we missed one event.
In her book I Surrender All, Priscilla Shirer shares this reminder:
“We are accepted, chosen, and handpicked by God. We no longer need to prove ourselves to others or seek their approval—we’re already accepted by the only One whose opinion truly matters.”
She also says:
“We must determine where we invest the bulk of our time and energy—and whether we say yes or no with confidence, based on God’s priorities for our lives.”
Let that sink in.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post brings you peace, wisdom, and permission to slow down.
I hope it helps you find the slower paces in your weeks.
I hope it draws you closer to God—and closer to your family.
Happy Sabbath, from yours truly. 🕊️
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