Sabbath Is a Gift Not a Rule - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - January 06, 2026
"Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27, NIV).
We live in a culture of resistance. Resistance to submission. Resistance to confession. And resistance to rest. Why? Because we're constantly told that we need to do and be more to have "enough." Even with 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week, we never have enough time, energy, or motivation to get things done. Sometimes, I've thought that I could skip meals, sleep, or use the bathroom so that I could be more productive.
The issue with this type of wishful thinking is two-fold: 1. It's simply impossible. We're human beings with limited time, energy, and brain cells for the day. We weren't created to live like hamsters in wheels, obliged to the rat race of life. But 2. The Sabbath, the gift of rest, was God's gift to us—not something we should avoid or merely see as rules, restrictions, or pressure.
If we're honest, most of us feel guilty for resting. Not only do we avoid the Sabbath altogether, but we see it as something we can't afford to do. Who has the time? But did you know that people who obey the Sabbath scientifically live four to ten years longer than those who don't? Not only is that more time, but it's also time spent intentionally. It's a life spent in line with God's way of life for us. Because when we're anxious, productively driven, and overwhelmed, we don't need to try or push ourselves harder. We need to rest. We need to obey a command given for our good since the beginning of time.
Learning to obey this command won't come naturally, but three truths have made it easier for me to follow:
1. Sabbath Was God's Idea.
From the book of Genesis to the present, we know that God rested first. But God never grows tired or weary. He didn't need to rest. And yet, He rested long before we'd ever need to, so that we would have a model to follow. Rest isn't weakness or an inability to do all the things; it's trust woven into creation. Sabbath was God's idea, not to punish us, but to bless us with the rejuvenation He knew we would need.
2. Sabbath Is For Our Good.
Not only was the Sabbath God's idea, but rest restores our bodies, minds, and souls. Ever tried to complete a task with little sleep? Doesn't go well, right? The Sabbath works the same way. The more we resist it, the deeper the sleep debt we acquire. Instead of avoiding it, however, we can learn to see it as beneficial for us. The Sabbath reminds us that we are humans, not machines. Again, we have limited time, energy, and motivation. But we are loved for who we are, not what we produce.
3. Jesus Clarified the Heart of the Sabbath.
Beyond the other two truths, knowing that Jesus pushed back against the legalism of religion gives me immense hope. Why? Because it means that the Sabbath isn't rooted in strict rules, condemnation, or unrealistic expectations. The Sabbath was meant to bring life, not shame. So if rest feels unlikely, impossible, or heavy for you, then we've misunderstood it.
Learning to redefine the Sabbath in your life will take time, but here's what it could look like:
- Prioritizing presence over perfection.
-Valuing relationships over rules.
-Slowing down when you're tired.
-Learning to listen to your body instead of ignoring it.
-Delighting in the Lord.
-Worshipping even when life is hard.
-Doing what you can each day and knowing that's enough for that day.
You could also try asking yourself these questions:
-What would it look like to receive rest as a gift this week?
-How can I practically rest every day?
-Am I operating out of fear and exhaustion or rest and rejuvenation?
-How can I learn to see the Sabbath as a gift, and not another rule I'm failing at?
Dear Jesus,
Today, we pray to be released from a relationship of striving. Instead of living for perfection, rules, or what we can produce, please help us to live for presence, relationships, and slowing down. Show us that rest is necessary and needed, and engaging in it is healthy for us. Though this will take time, help us to redefine these views and embrace the gift of rest you've had in store for us from the beginning of time. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Natalia Figueredo
Related Resource: Let Go, Trust, and Stay Rooted When Life Feels Unsteady
When life feels unsteady, many of us respond by holding tighter, trying harder, and carrying more than we were meant to bear. But Jesus offers a different way. In this episode of Unhurried Living, Gem Fadling is joined by Yvette Henry, writer, speaker, and author of Release, Rest, Remain, for a thoughtful conversation about learning to let go, trust God, and stay rooted in his presence when life feels overwhelming.
Drawing from Jesus’ words in John 15, this conversation explores what it means to release the pressure to hold everything together, rest in God’s love, and remain spiritually grounded in the middle of real life. Together, they reflect on spiritual exhaustion, the invitation to abide rather than strive, and how spiritual fruit grows naturally when we stay connected to God.
This episode is for anyone longing for peace, stability, and a deeper sense of trust when life feels uncertain. If this episode helps you recenter your work and life on God, be sure to follow Unhurried Living on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
