How do you keep Sabbath?

Let Go of the Everyday

The first step to keeping the Sabbath is simple: stop.

Put away the to-do lists. Shut down the laptop. Forget about work, studies, and daily chores. The Sabbath is a time to be fully present—with God, with loved ones, and with yourself.

This doesn’t mean the day should be dull or restrictive. Quite the opposite! The Sabbath is about freedom—freedom from stress, from busyness, from the relentless demands of life.

Reconnect with Nature

One of the best ways to experience the Sabbath is by stepping outside. The world God created is breathtaking, and Sabbath is the perfect time to enjoy it.

Go for a walk in the park. Take a bike ride by the river. Sit by the ocean and listen to the waves. Find a quiet spot in the countryside, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the beauty around you.

Jesus often spent the Sabbath in nature, teaching His followers and drawing their attention to the simple yet profound lessons found in creation. There’s something deeply refreshing about slowing down and seeing God’s handiwork all around you.

Make Time for Family and Friends

The Sabbath is an opportunity to nurture relationships—to enjoy unhurried conversations and quality time with the people who matter most.

Invite friends over for a meal. Visit a sick neighbour. Spend time with elderly relatives who might feel lonely. Gather with your family to talk, laugh, and share stories.

In a world where relationships are often rushed and surface-level, the Sabbath offers genuine connection—the kind that strengthens bonds and deepens love.

Serve Others with Joy

While the Sabbath is a day of rest, it is also a day for doing good. Jesus Himself set the example—healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and restoring lives on the Sabbath.

Consider how you can bless others:

• Visit someone who is alone—a neighbour, a nursing home resident, or a friend who needs encouragement.

• Write a heartfelt message to someone you appreciate.

• Cook a meal for a family in need.

• Pray with someone who is struggling.

Sabbath isn’t just about taking a break for ourselves; it’s about sharing God’s love with others.

Deepen Your Relationship with God

At its core, the Sabbath is an invitation to draw closer to God. It’s a time to pause and reflect, to set aside distractions and spend intentional time with Him.

Many Sabbath-keepers enjoy:

• Reading and reflecting on God’s Word

• Attending worship services with fellow believers

• Praying and listening for God’s voice

• Singing songs of praise and gratitude

• Journaling about their spiritual journey

Sabbath is not just about what you stop doing—it’s about what you start doing to nourish your faith.

A Day of Joy, Not Restriction

Some people view the Sabbath as a list of rules—things they can’t do. But that was never God’s intention. The Sabbath was created to be a delight—a time of joy, renewal, and spiritual connection.

“If you call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable… then you shall delight yourself in the Lord.” (Isaiah 58:13-14)

Instead of seeing it as a day of limitation, see it as a day of opportunity. An opportunity to slow down. To breathe. To embrace the beauty of life.

Are You Ready to Experience the Sabbath?

Keeping the Sabbath is not about following a set of rules—it’s about embracing a rhythm of life that brings peace, joy, and restoration.

Imagine a day where you don’t have to rush, where you can truly be present with God, with loved ones, and with yourself.

That’s what the Sabbath offers.

So this week, when the Sabbath arrives, step into it fully. Let go of the week behind you and enter into the rest God has prepared for you.

You’ll be amazed at how refreshing and life-changing it can be.