Sabbath: Six Different Ways to Really Rest

Preacher:
Series:
Date: May 1, 2024

The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. Mark 2:27

 

Can we ever have too many reminders to rest?

 

Amina is a single mom working two jobs. She can hardly remember the last time she had a break. When she does have 15 minutes, she usually just scrolls through social media. It’s easy to forget to be intentional about getting good rest.

What does good rest look like? Here’s a helpful look at six different types of rest other than physical rest that can rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.[1]

First, remove the clutter contributing to fatigue! Social rest begins by assessing your relationships. Prioritize time with those who bring you joy and peace while taking breaks from draining interactions. Take sensory rest by turning off distractions, creating calm environments, and minimizing external stimuli.

We experience mental rest from racing thoughts as we embrace silence, taking the time to be still. Some rest requires us to be more proactive. Emotional rest may require a change of scenery or doing something that lifts your spirits, like good food or a walk in nature. Creative rest invites us to enjoy the unpressured process of creativity. Paint, cook, or make some music!

Lastly, you can experience spiritual rest when you set aside time to connect with God without distractions. Read the Bible, worship, or simply be still in His presence. From the beginning, God has told His people how important weekly rest is, calling it Sabbath. Sabbath reminds us of how loved we are by God. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27).

What kind of rest do you need today?

[1] White, Heather. “7 Types of Rest: The Key to Becoming the Prepared Adult.” The American Montessori Association, 21 Dec. 2022, https://amshq.org/Blog/2022-12-21-7-Types-of-Rest.