Sabbath: Rest and Restoration

Posted by: Amanda Bridle, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager | Monday, March 23rd, 2026 ( 9:38am)

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.—Exodus 20:8-10

“I’m tired.”

It’s a standard response to the friendly “How are you?” we hear from friends and acquaintances. As believers, we know we have work created just for us. Yet I don’t believe the same God who established the Sabbath intended for us to move through life in a constant state of exhaustion.

There’s no end to the ways we can spend our time. Every person we love and every relationship we invest in requires something from us. Every community we’re part of—church, school, neighborhood, workplace—depends, at least in part, on our willingness to show up and serve. And that’s before we even consider the endless stream of entertainment available at our fingertips.

I’ve found myself in seasons of burnout and resentment when I overcommit. I genuinely want to help, and if I’m honest, I often feel honored to be asked. Saying “yes” comes naturally. But every “yes” carries a hidden “no.” Have I said “no” to time with Jesus? Have I neglected my physical or mental health? Have my commitments crowded out any hope for true rest?

I was well established in my career, marriage, and parenthood before I seriously considered observing Sabbath. But as my life has grown fuller, I’ve come to see how essential it is to intentionally set aside time for rest.

God, in His wisdom, gave us the Sabbath not only as a gift of rest, but as an invitation to pause, to trust, and to be renewed in Him. While many Christians observe Sabbath on Sunday, it’s less about the specific day and more about the practice itself. What matters is setting aside intentional time each week that is truly restful (and no, tackling your to-do list doesn’t count!).

What feels restful will look different for each person. Someone who works with their hands all week may not find yard work refreshing, while someone in a desk job might. For me, stepping away from the noise, especially the pull of constant entertainment or the internet, has become an important part of Sabbath rest.

If this practice is new to you, start small and build toward a full 24 hours. Don’t get caught up in the rules you may have learned growing up. Instead, ask what rhythms bring joy, peace, and true renewal. When opportunities come your way, give yourself space before responding. A simple “Let me pray about it” or “I’ll get back to you” can help you choose wisely instead of reacting quickly.

Protecting a rhythm of rest is vital for your physical and emotional well-being. But even more than that, Sabbath is an invitation to draw near to God. When we lay down our work, we remember that everything doesn’t depend on us. We make space to delight in His goodness, to notice His presence, and to receive what only He can give. And in that space, we don’t just recover; we are restored.