This past weekend, my hubby and I spent the weekend away and sitting by a pool under blue skies. A lovely umbrella protected us from the fierce sun, and a cool breeze magically appeared to sweeten the spot. The whole experience was like a kiss from heaven.

Here is what I accomplished last weekend: I rested. I remembered. I reflected. I refreshed my spirit.

Nothing on my to-do list got crossed off, but my soul is soaring. My eyes see with a fresh perspective. I am less weary of life.

Sabbath is super important. It’s not just a suggestion. Long ago, God commanded His people to set aside a day to do pretty much nothing.

God’s orders: You need to cease from striving.

For many years, I ran ragged and failed to slow down. And, I paid for it.

I paid with an anxious heart.

I paid with an increasingly critical spirit.

I lost my joy and paid with duty. Delight escaped me.

My health suffered.

My passion died.

I ended up empty.

Friends, if you are on a never-ending hamster wheel of busy, I want to encourage you to give yourself break.

Be still and know He is God.

To help you get started, this week I am sharing 5 fabulous reads that helped educate me in the way of Sabbath. Each of them is like a piece of the puzzle and part of my healing.

5 Uplifting Books to Help You Create Sabbath and Soar

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath

This book was transformative for me, and I will re-read it again soon. Mark Buchanan argues that setting aside time for Sabbath in our lives creates space for God to replenish our weary souls so that we can live full lives. He invites us to stop striving and start listening for God’s still small voice in the stillness. As we attend to the presence of God, we gain a fresh perspective on our lives and our place in God’s kingdom. He challenged my thinking by stating: “A well kept Sabbath is a dress rehearsal for things above. In finding the rest of God now, we prepare for the fullness of God one day. In Sabbath, we anticipate forever” (p. 213) Without rest, I cannot purposefully listen for the voice of God  because my life is just too busy and loud.

Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World

I started thinking about Sabbath seriously after joining Shelly Miller’s Sabbath Society. You can sign up for her weekly Sabbath emails, and they land in your inbox reminding you that it’s important to slow down and breathe.  Shelly believes Sabbath is a delight, not just a duty.  She invites her readers to embrace the gift of rest by turning off the noise and tuning in to God. As we set aside time for the sacred, we will find renewal and greater passion for life. She explains: “Sabbath provides space between you and your problems, enabling you to see from God’s perspective, often with surprising results, like a word breaking through your questions about life and awakening you to something more important” (p. 47). Shelly shares her own story of putting Sabbath into practice as well as stories from members of the Sabbath Society. She started the book by sharing how her mother in law likes to say “I don’t do guilt” (p. 21). She argues that guilt is one of the main roadblocks to making Sabbath a reality. The stories and practical ideas in this lovely book helped me to see how Sabbath is not a guilty pleasure. It’s a necessary thing on my to-do list.

Note: This book is currently on sale for 99 cents in Kindle format.  Such a steal!!!!

Playdates with God: Having a Childlike Faith in a Grownup World

The title of this book drew me in — because I remember playing as a child, but I’d forgotten how to do it as an adult. Laura Boggess shares how she draws into greater intimacy with her Father by setting a weekly “playdate” with her Abba.  She rouses her readers to remember their days of innocence and to reengage with a child-like sense of wonder and freedom as they live out their everyday ordinary. Laura nudges you to get away with God: “To grow in my relationship with God, to step deep into an intimate relationship with Jesus… I must set aside regular time to meet with Him. Time to play and pray, the two parts of Sabbath” (p. 176). I loved reading about how Laura makes an intentional effort to look for God in her circumstances. She sets aside time to draw near to her God and connect with the beauty of His creation and character in a meaningful way. I want to have that kind of passion for my Father God.

Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives

This book is a classic! Wayne Muller unpacks the spiritual practice of rest and renewal that helps us to quiet our hearts and remember the abundance God provides. He explains: “The world seduces us with an artificial urgency that requires us to respond without listening to what is most deeply true. In Sabbath time, we cultivate a sense of eternity where we truly rest, and feel how things can wait, and turn them gently in the hand until we feel their shape, and know the truth of them” (pp. 84-85). “Sabbath is an incubator for wisdom. When we allow the rush of pressure of our days to fall away, even for a short period of time, we are more able to discern the essential truth of what lies before us” (p. 165). This book has Sabbath exercises at the end of each chapter to help you to get started.  Muller’s words reminded me that life is holy. I am prone to forget, and so practicing the spiritual discipline of Sabbath helps me to “be still and know that He is God.”

24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life

This was the first book I read on the subject of Sabbath and a great place to start. Dr. Matthew Sleeth proposes that the spiritual practice of Sabbath will benefit you and your family physically, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Living a “24/6” life is the prescription to a happier, healthier you. Sleeth declares, “The covenant [of Sabbath] was like a marriage agreement between God and His people. Breaking the Sabbath would be akin to a wife talking off her wedding band and throwing it in her husband’s face on national television” (p. 37). “People don’t save the Sabbath, it saves us” (p. 58). In learning how to rest, we actually gain the knowledge of Christ. We learn to be gentle and humble and to give up our pride” (p. 85). “God rarely shows up at the foot of our beds and wakes us from sleep. We must listen for God in the narrative of life. Stopping one day a week allows my hearing to improve” (p. 156). I was intrigued by how Sleeth and his family begin the Sabbath on Friday evenings and practice hospitality by inviting others in to their home for a meal. He linked community and Sabbath for me in a beautiful way that I hope to incorporate.

Are you ready to rest with your God? Friend, God doesn’t want you to live exhausted. He wants to meet with you and minister toy your weary heart. If you want to learn how to set aside time for Sabbath, one of these books is a great place to start.

I’ve also created a one-page printable with simple sentence prayers and Scriptures to help you create breathing room in your day. Download a copy and pray through these sweet promises every morning to help you surrender your busy day to the Lord. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

Once you decide to slow down and rest, you will discover the secret: Sabbath doesn’t slow you down. Sabbath helps you soar. You discover a renewed sense of purpose and move forward with greater passion. All the busy people around you will wonder how you manage to choose joy even though life is chaotic. You will radiate God’s life and peace in the midst of this crazy busy life.

Start setting aside time for Sabbath, and soon you will soar.

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 WANT TO GO DEEPER AND develop a vibrant prayer life? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to  Refuel with rest and soul care.

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Friends: As a social media influencer, I have a sweet list of my favorite resources to fuel a wildfire faith in my very own shop on Amazon.  (Note: I will get a little something back if you follow any of the links in this post and buy anything on this page. Thanks in advance if you do.).