Create a boundary; rest inside it.

Stop to be human again. God still runs the world.

TL;DR

  • Set a clear start and end.
  • Turn off two distracting apps.
  • Do three restoring activities (walk, read, pray).

Scripture to stand on

  • Exodus 20:8-11: Remember the Sabbath—God rested, so we can.
  • Mark 2:27: Sabbath was made for man—gift, not burden.

A simple plan

  1. Pick your window
    Like setting office hours, choose 6–24 hours. Put start and end in your calendar.
  2. Turn off two apps
    If email and chat keep knocking, put them outside the ‘rest fence’ for the window.
  3. Plan three restful acts
    A slow walk, unhurried Scripture, a simple meal with someone.
  4. Pray a blessing to begin
    Thank God for being God while you rest from being ‘useful.’
  5. Reflect after
    Write three lines: what drained, what gave life, what to change next time.

Try this now

  • Start a Sabbath practice challenge with a 6‑hour window.
  • Schedule your three restorative actions.

If this is your week…

Do one Sabbath window this week. Next week, extend or repeat.

When it’s hard

If work intrudes, pause, note it, and return to rest as soon as possible. God is patient; try again next week.

FAQs

What counts as work?
Anything that feels like producing or managing outcomes. Choose activities that receive, not achieve.
What if I have kids?
Keep it simple: slower meals, a walk, a short prayer together. Don’t aim for silence; aim for gentleness.
rest challenges reflections