living in

sabbath

How Do We Live Out the Sabbath Today?

Jesus fulfilling the Sabbath doesn’t mean rest no longer matters—it means rest now takes on a deeper meaning. Instead of being limited to one day, Sabbath becomes a lifestyle, one that regularly reorients our hearts toward God’s sovereignty, power, and provision for His people. Here’s how we can live that out: 

  1. View Rest as an Opportunity to Trust God
    Sabbath was always about trusting God’s provision rather than relying on human effort. Set aside time to rest, not just as a break from work, but as a deliberate act of trust that God is the one who sustains you.


  2. Create Space for Worship and Reflection
    The Sabbath was historically a time for deep reflection on God’s goodness. Whether through prayer, worship, or silence, dedicate time to delight in God, not just step away from work.


  3. Resist the Pull of Consumerism
    Early Christians faced pressure to conform to Roman economic structures, but they chose a rhythm of life that prioritized spiritual over material wealth. Be intentional about not making rest a time for mindless consumption—instead, let it be a time of renewal.


  4. Rest in Community
    In Jewish tradition and the early church, Sabbath was communal, not just individual. Instead of viewing rest as isolation, invite others into a shared experience of Sabbath, whether through a meal, worship, or time spent encouraging one another.


  5. Break from Routine Work, but Not from Doing Good
    Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath, but He showed that rest isn’t just about ceasing all activity—it’s about stepping into restoration. Use your Sabbath time to help God bring renewal to others through encouragement, hospitality, or service!

  1. Reflect on God’s Work
    The biblical Sabbath was a time to remember God’s work in creation and redemption, not just to pause from human labor. Set aside time to reflect on how God has been faithful in your life.


  2. Let Your Rest Be a Sign to Others
    Sabbath was always meant to set God’s people apart. When you intentionally choose to create a lifestyle that revolves around your trust in God, it speaks volumes to those who see you. Let everything that you do be a testimony to others.


  3. Step Away from Productivity as Identity
    It can be tempting for us to think highly of ourselves because of our accomplishments, rather than because of the inherent worth that God has bestowed upon us. Thinking that way leads to a thought process of needing to work in order to gain or maintain self-worth. Make a habit of stopping and resting, not because you’re done or because you deserve it, but as a time to remind yourself of God's goodness and the love and value He has placed on your life.


  4. Honor the Physical Aspect of Rest
    Sabbath was always a holistic concept, including both spiritual and physical restoration. Do things that you find restful, slow down your pace, and allow your body to rest as a recognition that God, not your effort, sustains you.


  5. Live as Though Everything Belongs to God
    The Sabbath and the Jubilee years in the Old Testament reminded Israel that their land, wealth, and time ultimately belonged to God. Apply this by living generously, releasing control, and remembering that everything you have is God’s, not yours.

Sabbath isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about trusting God.

The Sabbath involves resting, trusting, and making space for God in a world that tells you to trust in yourself. Sabbath is a rhythm that shapes your heart and your lifestyle—one that says, God is in control, and I don’t have to be.