“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest."
Exodus 34:21 (NIV)
As a pastor, you may feel like the demands of ministry are overwhelming and unrelenting.
But the Bible is filled with instructions about rest and recreation that apply to you too, no matter how busy you are.
In fact, rest and recreation are so important that God gives them a special name: Sabbath.
He even put Sabbath in the Ten Commandments—right up there with “Don’t commit adultery” and “Don’t murder.” God says that on the seventh day of every week, you should take a day off.
That’s how important a Sabbath is in your life–not just for your congregants but for you too!
Jesus said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (NIV). In other words, it’s God’s idea that you take a day off every seven days for rest, recreation, worship, and restoration. He did this for your own benefit—so you don’t burn out.
For pastors, taking a Sabbath can be difficult. Sundays are often your busiest days, filled with preaching, teaching, and leading. But you still need a day off.
This is what it means to have a Sabbath: “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest” (Exodus 34:21 NIV).
Even in your busiest seasons, like Christmas and Easter, God wants you to take a day of rest, just as even farmers need a day off during the demanding harvest and planting seasons.
What are you supposed to do on your Sabbath?
Rest your body. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.Your physical health is crucial for sustaining long-term ministry.
Refocus your spirit. Spend time in personal worship and reflection.
Recharge your emotions. Do something that restores and re-energizes you, like a hobby or a sport.
It doesn’t really matter which day is your Sabbath. It does matter that you are obedient. You may choose to ignore their advice when your spouse or boss tells you to take a break.
But God is commanding you to take a Sabbath for rest—and he always knows what’s best for you.
Set an example for your congregation by honoring the Sabbath. When you do that, you’re not just obeying a command, but you’re also demonstrating that you trust God’s provision for your ministry.
Did you miss our last Monday Encouragement?
Want to Get Encouraging Messages Like This for Pastors and Leaders Sent Directly to Your Inbox Every Week?
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML