The Gift of the Sabbath: A Sacred Time with God

The Secret Place

The Sabbath is not about a specific day—it is about intentional reverence. Jesus Himself said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." — (Mark 2:27). It was never meant to be a burdensome rule but a divine gift—a time for rest, worship, and deep communion with God. From the beginning, God set apart the seventh day as holy, not because He needed rest, but because He knew we would (Genesis 2:3). The Sabbath is an invitation to step away from distractions, responsibilities, and worldly concerns to focus solely on honoring and seeking the Lord.

Many argue about which day to observe the Sabbath, but the heart of the matter is not the day itself—it is the act of setting time aside for God. The real question is: Are we making time to honor Him as He commanded? The Sabbath is an opportunity to reflect on His goodness, renew our strength, and cultivate deeper intimacy with Him. It is a time to praise, admire, and obey God in awe and submission, recognizing that we are sustained not by our own strength, but by His grace.

The Perception of Sabbath by Others

The world views rest as something to be earned, often linking it to productivity. Society glorifies busyness, equating constant work with success, but this mindset leads to spiritual depletion. Many people struggle to pause, fearing they will fall behind, yet God commands us to rest not as an option but as a necessity. The world tells us to “hustle,” but Scripture tells us to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

Even within the church, many fail to observe the Sabbath in the way God intended. Some attend services out of routine but never truly rest in His presence. Others replace reverence with legalism, focusing on rules rather than relationship. True Sabbath observance is not about checking a religious box—it is about entering into a holy, uninterrupted space with the Lord, where His presence refreshes and renews us. Without this intentional time, we risk becoming spiritually drained, disconnected, and susceptible to the enemy’s distractions. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

Intentionality in Honoring the Sabbath

Observing the Sabbath requires intentional preparation. Just as Jesus often withdrew to the mountains to pray (Luke 5:16), we too must create a sacred space, free from distractions, to be with the Father. This is not just about setting aside time but about honoring that time with diligence and preparation.

• Inform others that this is a time set apart for the Lord, just as you would guard time for important meetings or personal commitments.

• Prepare your home the day before—finish chores, cook meals, and set everything in order so you are not bogged down with distractions.

• Eliminate unnecessary interruptions by turning off your phone, stepping away from social media, and creating a peaceful atmosphere of worship.

• Engage in every form of reverence—reading, meditating, praying, learning, praising, worshipping, and dancing before the Lord. Do all things that edify your spirit and bring you into deeper communion with God.

• Listen to the Father—not just speaking in prayer but also sitting in stillness, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart.

The Sabbath is more than just a day off—it is a divine appointment. When we intentionally set aside time to be with God, we experience a renewal that aligns our spirit with His, strengthens our faith, and brings clarity to our purpose.

Reflection

Are you intentionally carving out time to honor God, or has the world convinced you that rest is a luxury? Do you truly pause to seek His face, worship in awe, and submit to His will, or do you let distractions keep you from the Sabbath’s purpose? God does not need your time—you do. The Sabbath is a divine reset, a time to realign your heart with His, to worship in Spirit and in truth, and to be strengthened for the work He has called you to do.

What’s the Word?

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." — Exodus 20:8

We Find Refuge in the Lord

A Secret Place -Karen Clark Sheard