In my last blog, I referenced the consequences of a hurried lifestyle. It affects our health, mindset, relationships, and spirituality. Today, I want to share some thoughts about the value of a sabbath and the value it brings to our lives.
We live in a world obsessed with speed. Productivity is king, and the more we DO, the more we seem to matter. We wear busyness as a badge of honor, measuring our worth by the number of tasks checked off our never-ending to-do lists. It’s easy to push the rest to the bottom of the list in the rush of life. But at what cost? How many Pastors have you heard say they would burn out for Jesus? I well remember the days of juggling so many balls during certain seasons of ministry. This is not written from a place of perfection. I wish I had had these truths back in the day.
Hurry is the enemy of peace, clarity, and presence. It keeps us distracted, anxious, and disconnected from the things that matter most—our faith, our families, and our well-being. In a world that glorifies hustle, the concept of a Sabbath is a radical, countercultural act of trust and surrender.
The Cost of Hurry
When we rush through life, we miss the beauty of the present. We lose the ability to hear God’s voice amidst the noise. Our relationships suffer because true connection requires time, attention, and presence. Physically, we burn out. Mentally, we become overwhelmed. Spiritually, we feel distant from God, unable to rest in His presence. Our goal is to get the next thing off of our list while we add on five more things. Survival at its best. But is it really what Jesus intended?
Jesus never hurried. He moved with intention, fully engaged in the moment. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray, to rest, to simply be. If the Son of God saw the need for rest, why do we believe we can go without it?
Comer mentions in his book that this new normal of being hurried or distracted is robbing us of the ability to be present! Present to God, to other people, to all that is good, and even to our own souls. Could it be that this is hindering our effectiveness as we lead, causing us to lead from a place of weakness vs. a place of strength and rest? I think God had a remedy when He penned commandment #4, to remember the sabbath and to keep it holy!
The Gift of Sabbath
The Sabbath is more than just a day off—I prided myself on the fact that I took my day off. BUT, did I take it off? Shabbat means to stop! It’s a weekly invitation to stop, breathe, and delight in the life God has given us. Not just being home while still being busy and hurried.
Observing a Sabbath doesn’t mean just avoiding work; it means actively engaging in rest, worship, and joy. But God designed us to pause—to breathe, reflect, and restore. It means doing things that restore your soul—reading Scripture, spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, worshiping, and being still before the Lord.
How to Practice A Sabbath in a Busy World
1. Set Boundaries – Choose a 24-hour period where you intentionally step away from work, emails, and obligations. Let others know in advance so they respect your time of rest. (This would have been shunned when I was first in ministry!)
2. Engage in Worship– Spend time in prayer, read Scripture, and reflect on God’s goodness.
3. Do What Fills You – Take a walk, have a slow meal with family, listen to worship music, or simply nap. Rest is worship when done with the right heart.
4. Trust God with the Unfinished – The world will keep spinning even when you rest. Trust that God’s provision is greater than your productivity. I am thankful that for the last few years of ministry, I learned the value in this one. Not all emergencies are emergencies.
The Freedom of Slowing Down
Taking a Sabbath is a gift, not a burden. It’s a way to reclaim your soul from the demands of the world. When you embrace a rhythm of rest, you become more present, more joyful, and more in tune with God’s voice.
So, take a deep breath. Let go of the hurry. Trust in God’s timing. And step into the rest He has prepared for you.
