How to Practice Sabbath as a Way to Express Gratitude
My husband and I wound through the pacific coast highway, making our way from the busyness of Los Angeles toward the salty water and sandy beaches of Malibu. But we weren’t headed to the beaches on this summery Saturday morning—we were on our way to find a hiking spot.
We pulled into the dirt parking lot, changed into our hiking shoes, slathered on some sunscreen, and began to make our way into Solstice Canyon. Thankfully on this day there weren’t too many people on the trail, so we walked most of the path ourselves without much interruption.
We wove our way through the trees, coming across some old ruins on the way. Old chimneys and brick floors were all that was left of what was once a grand mansion tucked far away in the canyon. A stream trickled behind the house—what used to be the primary water source when the house was standing. We marveled at what once was, stepping into what might’ve been a living room or kitchen, and climbing up steps to the waterfall.
Once we were done exploring, instead of turning back the way we came, we decided to take a trail up the mountain. It eventually wound back to the parking lot, but not before a steep climb up the side of the mountain and a few worried looks behind us for mountain lions. It was quiet up here—obviously the road less traveled.
We climbed up, up, up, and once we finally arrived at the top, we were astounded by a breath-taking view of the ocean. The deep blue waves peeked out between the golden line of hills. The day was clear and we could see out into the ocean for miles.
My breath caught and in that moment, I was drawn into deep gratitude and worship of the creator God.
Isn’t it incredible, the things that He has made? Crisp green grass, salty blue waves, flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors, birds, bugs, and so much more.
Practicing gratitude on the Sabbath
I used to practice Sabbath with less intention than I do now. It was just a day off work. A day to go to church. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that, those are both very good things.
But when I started to practice gratitude on the Sabbath, when I started to make coming into the presence of God as a Sabbath rhythm, that is when I started to experience the true rest and peace that I believe God desires for every one of us on the Sabbath.
Hebrews 4:9-11a reminds us, “So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest.”
Matthew 11:28-30 also speaks of rest:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Sabbath is less about taking a day off work, and more about ceasing from the things that distract us from God. It’s less about going to a church service and more about fostering deep, soul level relationships with our community. It’s less about choosing a leisure activity, and more about resting in the presence of a God who loves us and cares enough for us that he would give us a day off anything and everything that is weighing us down. It’s less about self-care and more about the gift of abundance.
Practical ideas for practicing Sabbath
Here are a few simple ways that I’ve learned to practice gratitude on the Sabbath as a means to grow into deeper relationship with God and others and to experience a true Sabbath rest:
- Go on a hike or walk. Marvel in the goodness of creation.
- Write in a journal. Note down 3-5 things you’re thankful for. I love doing this either first thing in the morning or right before bed.
- Share a meal with friends. Talk about how God is working in your life. Thank him for the blessings he gives in your life and in other’s.
I encourage you to try out this practice on your next Sabbath—whether you choose Saturday, Sunday, or another day that works into your schedule. I assure you it makes a difference to experience this day in deep gratitude instead of simply taking the day off.
Meet Alisa Jeffus
Alisa is writer who shares about intentional living and spiritual practices on her blog, intentionallyordinary.com. She’s an avid reader, baker, eater, and explorer. She recently moved to Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters and enjoys exploring the city with them when she’s not baking bread or reading a book.
Where to find her . . .
Begin Within is a series to inspire a year-round lifestyle of gratitude that will impact not only your own life, but the lives of your neighbors as well. Gratitude is a theme we talk about often around here because it ties so closely into other missional living rhythms. Practicing gratitude reminds to keep our hearts soft and expectant and our eyes open. Therefore, the more we embrace gratitude, the easier it becomes to truly see our neighbors and where we can join what God is already doing in our neighborhoods.
If you would like to contribute to Begin Within, you can find the submission guidelines here.
Creating Ripples
If you would like to cultivate rhythms in addition to gratitude that will empower you live on mission in your neighborhood, check out Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30-Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors. This small book will help you make a big impact in your neighborhood as you learn to let missional living flow from the inside out. Get the 30-day missional living challenge free when you purchase the book.
