The Outpouring of Abiding: Embracing Sabbath Rest
"Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’" – Mark 2:27
The more I press into abiding with Jesus, the more I see how deeply connected it is to Sabbath. Abiding isn’t just about staying close. It’s about living in rhythm with the heart of God. And that rhythm? It includes rest.
Not just physical rest, but soul rest. The kind that says, “I trust You enough to stop.”
Sabbath is the outpouring of a heart that abides. It’s the visible expression of an inward trust. As we learn to dwell in Jesus, we naturally begin to resist the world’s pace and embrace His.
Stop: The Practice of Trusting
Abiding teaches me to stop, not just once a week, but moment by moment. But Sabbath is the gift of a dedicated time to fully stop. To breathe deeply and choose stillness over striving.
When I stop, I’m not just halting tasks. I’m making a declaration. I’m saying, “I am not what I do. I am Yours.” Sabbath becomes a tangible way to live out what I believe. That God is in control, that His grace sustains me, and that He is enough.
Rest: Rooted in His Presence
As I remain rooted in Him, I discover a rest that isn’t dependent on circumstances. Sabbath invites me to step into that rest intentionally. It’s a time to reset, to let my heart catch up with my body and to let both be refreshed in Him.
Sometimes that rest looks like worship and Scripture. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s laughter and meals and long walks. Always, it’s a return to the Vine. The One who fills and sustains.
Delight: Joy in Abiding
When I’m abiding, I begin to see again. I notice the goodness in front of me. The faces around my table. The sunlight through the trees. The flavor of a warm cup of coffee. Sabbath becomes a space to delight. Not just in creation, but in the Creator.
Delight is the fruit of abiding. It overflows in Sabbath. Not forced, not hurried. Just honest joy in being with Him.
Sabbath Flows from Abiding
This isn’t about checking off a spiritual box. It’s about letting my life be formed by the presence of Jesus. Sabbath isn’t a break from abiding. It’s the natural result of it. It’s the weekly exhale of a heart that has been inhaling His love all week long.
So, what might it look like to let Sabbath flow from your abiding? Maybe it’s saying no to the noise. Maybe it’s choosing quiet. Maybe it’s trusting that God will meet you right where you are.
Sister, as we continue to pursue a simple, whole, Christ-centered life, let’s remember: we are invited to rest. Not because we’ve earned it, but because He gives it. Sabbath is our yes to that invitation.
Let’s stop, rest, and delight. Not out of duty, but as an outpouring of abiding in the One who is our true rest.
