What is Sabbath? How Practicing the Sabbath Can Help Christians Cultivate a Healthy Spiritual Life

The concept of “Sabbath” is deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian lineage. It stems from the creation Biblical narrative where God rested on the seventh day after six days of Creation. This day of rest, known as the Sabbath, has profound spiritual and practical significance for its practitioners.

But what exactly is the Sabbath and how does it affect our spiritual life? In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about the Sabbath and consider how to keep the sabbath in our fast-paced modern times.

Understanding the Sabbath

The Sabbath is more than just a day off from work. It is meant to be a day set apart for rest, worship, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation for the people of God. From the very beginning, God models the Sabbath for his people by resting on the seventh day of Creation. Later in the Scriptures, God commands his people to follow his example of rest.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:2-3

The term “Sabbath” originates from the Hebrew word “Shabbat,” which means “to cease” or “to rest.” The Sabbath is a day of rest and a sign of the covenant relationship between God and His people. By keeping the Sabbath, God’s people are “set apart” and living differently from the rest of the world. They are a people who can rest, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and express their trust in His provision for their lives.

What Does the Bible Say About Sabbath?

When we look to Scripture, we find Sabbath Bible verses woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Sabbath keeping was mandatory and an integral part of the Mosaic Covenant established between God and the people of Israel at Mount Sinai. The Old Testament teaches us that the Sabbath was an ongoing sign of the covenant, distinguishing Israel as a people set apart by God.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, you must observe my Sabbath. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you… The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.'” Exodus 31:12-17

In the New Testament, Jesus reinterprets the Sabbath. He shuns legalistic rules and emphasizes that the Sabbath was meant to “serve” the people of God. Historically, the Sabbath was observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Early Christians made a shift by gathering to worship and rest on Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection.

In the New Testament, Sabbath rest is expanded to include a spiritual rest found in Christ, signifying the eternal rest promised to God’s people and distinguishing them through their faith in Jesus.

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10

In both the Old and New Testaments, keeping the Sabbath is meant to “mark” the people of God, to set them apart as a “spiritual” people who trust in an unseen God to protect and provide for them throughout their lives.

Why Keeping the Sabbath “Holy” Teaches Us How to be Spiritual

Keeping the Sabbath is a spiritual discipline that can play a big part in spiritual formation for followers of Christ. It is the practice of taking a step back from the busyness of our lives in order to focus on life in the Spirit. This is the essence of “getting still.”

By setting aside dedicated time for prayer, worship, and reading Scripture, Christians deepen their relationship with Christ and reinforce their spiritual identity as a child of God.

Some other ways that observing the Sabbath can teach Christians how to be spiritual include:

Cultivating Gratitude: The Sabbath is a time to reflect on God’s blessings and provision, cultivating a heart of gratitude. Acknowledging God’s goodness fosters a positive outlook and deepens faith.
Growing our Trust in God: Resting demonstrates trust in God’s provision and sovereignty. It is an act of faith, acknowledging that one’s well-being and success are ultimately in God’s hands, not in relentless human effort.
Providing Rest: The Sabbath offers a break from the demands and busyness of daily life, allowing for physical rest and mental rejuvenation. This rest helps restore energy and health, which is essential for maintaining spiritual well-being.
Setting aside time for worship & reflection: The Sabbath is a dedicated time for worship and reflection, meditation, and prayer without the distractions of everyday responsibilities. Attending church services, singing hymns, and participating in communal prayers deepen one’s connection with God.

Overall, the Sabbath teaches Christians how to be spiritual by cultivating a deeper, more vibrant spiritual life by providing rest, carving out time for worship and reflection, and fostering a deeper dependence and gratitude for the things of God.

How to Keep the Sabbath in Modern Times

Now for the tricky part! How do we keep the Sabbath in modern times? Recently, a group at my church did an experiment based on the Practicing the Way series and we loved it! It opened my eyes to a new way of understanding the Sabbath and my husband and I found creative and inspiring ways to incorporate it into our lives.

There is no doubt that slowing down in today’s fast-paced world can be challenging, but it is possible! All it takes is intentionality, some planning, and a little discipline. Here are some practical tips for keeping the Sabbath in modern times:

Plan Ahead: Prepare in advance by finishing up necessary chores and work tasks before the Sabbath begins.
Disconnect from Technology: This was key! Put away ALL digital distractions including phones, computers, and televisions. These things use more mental and emotional energy than you think!
Engage in Worship: Participate in communal worship. Spend time in prayer. Study God’s word. Take a luxurious bath. Hike a trail. Eat a decadent meal and let all these things remind you of the Creator.
Rest: Take time to rest physically. Enjoy leisurely activities such as reading, walking, or spending time in nature. Use this time for self-reflection and gratitude.
Practice Hospitality: Gather with friends or family over for a meal or a time of fellowship. Sharing food and conversations can enrich the Sabbath experience and strengthen relationships.

Join Us For the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

One of my favorite theologians, Dallas Willard, gave us some insight into what it means to keep the sabbath in modern times. Known for his work in the field of Christian spiritual formation, Willard emphasized the importance of slowing down in order to cultivate a deeper spiritual life.

He believed that a rushed lifestyle was the enemy of the soul. When asked what needed to be done in order to be spiritually healthy, he responded,

“You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”

John Mark Comer expanded on this idea in his book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” where he offers Christians practical advice on how to keep the Sabbath in modern times by slowing down, simplifying life, and finding rest in God’s presence.

We are reading this book as part of our Getting Still summer book club, and you can still join us. After reading the book, we’ll discuss it together at the end of August Get details of how to join the book club here!

Sabbath and the Art of Retreat

Another way to keep the Sabbath in modern times is through the spiritual practice of retreat. Much like Sabbath, the purpose of retreat involves the deliberate withdrawal from the chaos of daily life in order to create space for reflection, rest, and deepening your relationship with God.

Jesus shows us how to keep the Sabbath. Scripture tells us that He often retreats to the wild, desolate, or lonely places. And He invites his disciples to go with him into these deserted places in order to find alone time with their Heavenly Father.

Sign Up For the next Getting Still Retreat Today

What is Sabbath? It is a gift from God, designed to provide rest, renewal, and spiritual growth for his people. By keeping it, Christians not only obey God’s commandment but they can enjoy deep rest and cultivate a deeper connection with Him and with one another.

Want to experience a Sabbath retreat for yourself? I’m thrilled to announce the next Getting Still retreat. The Body & Soul Yoga retreat is happening in February 2025 in Costa Rica!

Come experience the art of living abundantly, BODY & SOUL, through therapeutic yoga practices, nourishing meals, thoughtful teachings, a rich vibrant community, and plenty of time for relaxation and play! Get details here.