The Well Way Podcast

#8- Practicing the Sabbath: Participation Episode


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What should practicing the Sabbath look like for us today?

The first thing to understand is that in the New Testament, there isn’t a command for Christians to observe a specific day as a Sabbath. What we do see, though, are principles and examples that guide how we can rest and honor God in our rhythm of life.For example, in Romans 14, Paul talks about how each person may decide which days to observe. Some might choose to set aside a day for rest, others might not—and that’s okay. The important thing is that our choices don’t lead to judgment or division, and ultimately, we’re accountable to God in how we use the freedom He’s given us.Then in Colossians 2:16-17, Paul reminds us that Sabbath observances were shadows pointing to Christ. They were never the ultimate goal—they were meant to prepare us for Him. That means our Sabbath rest today should point us to Jesus, not simply to checking off a day on the calendar.And in Hebrews 4, we see the Sabbath as God’s rest—a picture of the ultimate rest we have in Christ. It’s not just about a single day; it’s about trusting Him, stepping back from striving, and finding peace in His work. Christ is our rest. When we abide in Him, we enter the true Sabbath rest every day.So how does this look practically in our lives? Here are a few ways:

  1. Intentionally pause: Set aside time—maybe a few hours or a whole day—to step back from work, busyness, and screens. Use that time to reflect, pray, or worship.
  2. Spend time with God: Read Scripture, journal, or simply sit quietly with God. Remember, the Sabbath is more about Him than about tasks.
  3. Connect with loved ones: Enjoy meals, conversations, or walks with family or friends. Rest is relational, not just physical.
  4. Rest your body and mind: Sleep in, take a nap, go for a walk—anything that helps your body and mind truly rest.

The key is that none of this is legalistic. It’s not about following a rule; it’s about creating space to abide in Christ, to let Him be our Lord and our rest. We’re free to observe a day if it helps us, but our ultimate command is to stay connected to Him—because He is the Lord over the Sabbath, and in Him, we find the rest we truly need.

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The Well Way PodcastBy The Well Way Podcast