I (Nicole) was recently on a podcast talking about my personal rhythm of observing the Sabbath. As a follower of God, and the Christian faith, I know that God asks us to honor the Sabbath. When preparing for this interview, and after participating, I realized how having a rhythm of Sabbath has contributed to my overall emotional and mental health. Below are the five main questions addressed in the interview.
How do you define Sabbath?
Rest. It’s a time to pause, be intentional, and reflect. Pause from our normal rhythms of work. Be intentional in our connection with God and others. And reflect on the goodness and provision of God.
What prompted you to start this practice?
Feelings of being tired, overwhelmed and burnt out. I was also convicted by a sermon at church talking about the spiritual discipline and commandment of the Sabbath. I had preconceived ideas of what Sabbath meant (it had to be on Sunday, it had to look a certain way, couldn’t do anything). As I began to learn more about Sabbath and open my eyes and mind to how God defined Sabbath, I felt this weight lift, freedom, permission to rest.
What does your Sabbath practice look like?
For us, it is usually on Sundays. We go to church together, we serve together as a family. It’s usually a day with little to no scheduled activities besides church, meals with family, and small group or youth group. We linger, at church, at lunch, in rest. There is more quiet. We have more solitude. I usually go to my room in the afternoon for a couple of hours. Sometimes I nap. I don’t answer emails. Very little social media. I prefer Sundays to be a day I don’t HAVE to do anything. In this very full season of life with two teens, it occasionally looks different, and that’s okay too. The pressure is off.
How has practicing it changed your life?
It allows me to breathe. When I feel overwhelmed or burnt out during the week, I know Sabbath is coming. I feel closer to God because I am walking in obedience to Him. He paused in creation. We are made in His image and God has rhythms. He created day and night. Work and rest. Sabbath is a commandment. He knows what’s best for us. I want to live in accordance with His best for my life. I feel closer to Him when I rest. My identity can get wrapped up in what I do, but the amazing thing about Sabbath is I feel closer to who He created me to be. As a mental health counselor, I am very aware of my mental health. I am a healthier person, mentally and emotionally, when I rest.
What tips or suggestions do you have when it comes to practicing Sabbath?
Decide. Decide to honor God and yourself by honoring Sabbath. Notice any “should” statements you have when you hear the word Sabbath. Ask God how He wants you to rest. Pay attention to your body and your emotional and mental health needs. What would allow you to be a healthier disciple for God? Have conversations with those you live with. Invite them into Sabbath and talk about what everyone needs.
Perhaps being intentional to rest, pause, and reflect could be a helpful practice for you as well. Contact me with any questions.
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