I’ve always had a love/ignore relationship with the Sabbath. Graduating into the 2008 recession, London was closed to us, and without ChatGPT to guide us towards a brighter future, we ended up working in Salisbury, a sleepy medieval cathedral town. I soon got used to being labelled a workaholic. It wasn’t unfair - I really do enjoy my work, and I spent every waking minute scheming how to make money out of my limited resources. But when we eventually moved back to London, I discovered the city loves a workaholic. And no-one here called me that anymore.
The OG Sabbath was a command, part of the law. As the Israelites left Egypt for the promised land, it foreshadowed the rest that God’s people would ultimately truly find in Jesus. Now we’re on the other side of the resurrection, we see it through a new lens - a gift that helps us to restfully resist the seductions of work: worship of money, ego, and taking the time we are given for granted.
There’s no requirement, obligation or rule to follow here, but it’s an opportunity to untangle from the world once a week. So here’s a few practical thoughts from one over-worker who’s always struggled to Sabbath, just like you.
Be intentional.
Prep: In the classic Sabbath you weren’t supposed to leave the house, build a fire, or cause anyone else to work. If you wanted to eat or stay warm, you’d have to think ahead. These are good principles for today. Resist Deliveroo and order ingredients to cook up a feast ahead of time. Mark the start of the Sabbath with a slow evening walk or a glass of wine. Shout “Shabbat Shalom” at your neighbour for bonus points.
Be mindful: Pro tip - rest isn’t actually achieved by switching your mind off. Binging and doomscrolling isn’t restorative. But cramming your Sabbath full of activities won’t work either. So, at the risk of this Grace Londoner sounding a little Buddhist, there truly is a benefit to only doing one thing at a time. Eating? Just eat. Thinking? Just think. Reading? Just read. Don’t ask Chat for advice, don’t Google unknown vocab. In the 21st century, it’s surprisingly hard to do just one thing, but the Sabbath is a good time to try.
Keep at it: Couples often have regular date nights. Sabbath is a bit like a date with God (stick with me…) A marriage won’t necessarily fall apart without a weekly date night. But you’ll find the relationship a whole lot more enjoyable if you don’t only hang out while ironing your pants.
Look up.
Practice saying no: Sabbath rest is partly about resisting the urge to please people, and seeking to please God instead. Becoming unavailable for even a few hours might feel unpleasant or even risky - what if you miss an important email? What if your boss needs you? What if you miss out on an impromptu trip to the Thirsty Bear? But whose opinion really matters? Just as regular tithing loosens the grip of money on your heart, the Sabbath loosens the grip of performative work and people-pleasing; whether it’s your boss, your parents, or your mates.
Reconnect with God: [Insert obligatory super-holy-Bible-quiet-time point] - just kidding - but remembering God and spending time with him is a Biblically approved route to rest, as Psalm 19 says: ‘The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.’
Remember it’s a gift: The way you receive something changes your attitude to it. Jesus tells us that the Sabbath is “made for man” (Mark 2.27). It’s for our benefit, so trust God’s creative judgement and see what happens.
Have fun.
Hobbies: That hobby you love - the one you’ve enjoyed since childhood? Did you know you don’t have to turn it into a side hustle? In fact - did you know you’re allowed to enjoy it without anyone giving you validation at all? Sabbath is a great time to put the gifts that God has put in you into action - simply for the joy of it.
Look for beauty: Spending the Sabbath seeking out beauty is one way to ensure you lift your eyes from the graft and remember that you’re not a machine, but a created, living being, inhabiting an amazing world. This could be finding time in nature, or taking a trip to the British Museum.
Nap: Finally - sleep is God’s way of reminding us that we’re finite. As an overachieving Londoner you probably don’t sleep enough, ever. So go on, take a nap - you have my permission.
This article was taken from our termly Family Newsletter, posted to all our members. If you'd like to become a member of Grace London, please attend our upcoming DNA Sessions.
These articles are written without the use of generative AI.