Sabbath Rest: Embracing God’s Gift During Your Travels

In a culture that often glorifies busyness and non-stop activity, the concept of Sabbath rest stands as a radical and beautiful invitation. The Bible calls us to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8), setting aside time to rest, worship, and delight in God’s presence. For the Christian traveller, weaving Sabbath rest into your holiday isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s a life-giving practice that can transform your journeys and renew your soul.

Rediscovering Sabbath in a Busy World

Travel, even when meant for relaxation, can sometimes become just another form of busyness—packed itineraries, pressure to “see it all,” and constant movement from one attraction to the next. What if, instead, we made space for true rest during our holidays? Sabbath rest is God’s gift to remind us that we are human beings, not human doings.

What Does Sabbath Rest Look Like on Holiday?

Sabbath rest is more than just taking a day off from work. It’s about intentionally setting aside time for God, for family, and for the restoration of our bodies and minds. On your next trip, consider:
- Setting aside a day or a few hours for quiet reflection, prayer, and worship—either alone or with loved ones.
- Finding a local church to join in Sunday worship, connecting with the wider body of Christ wherever you are.
- Putting away devices and disconnecting from emails and social media for a day, allowing your mind to truly rest.
- Enjoying creation—whether it’s a walk in the countryside, time by the sea, or simply sitting quietly in a garden and soaking in God’s handiwork.

Sabbath Rest for Families

If you’re travelling with children, Sabbath rest can become a treasured family tradition. Read a Bible story together, give thanks for the week’s adventures, or simply enjoy a meal without rushing. Sabbath can be a time for creativity and joy—drawing, singing, or sharing what God has been teaching you as a family.

Sabbath Rest for Hosts

If you’re hosting guests or running a holiday property, consider how you can offer Sabbath rhythms to those who stay with you. Perhaps provide a quiet space for prayer, a list of local churches, or even a “Sabbath basket” with devotionals, candles, and a blessing. Your hospitality can help others pause and encounter God’s rest.

The Fruit of Sabbath Rest

When we embrace Sabbath rest on our holidays, we return home not just recharged, but spiritually refreshed. We become more attentive to God’s voice, more grateful for His gifts, and more connected to those we love. Sabbath is a weekly reminder that our worth isn’t found in what we produce, but in who we are as God’s beloved children.

Conclusion

As you plan your next getaway, don’t just fill your itinerary—make room for Sabbath rest. Whether it’s a few hours or a whole day, let your travels be marked by God’s peace and presence. In a restless world, Sabbath is a countercultural gift—an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and receive God’s rest, wherever you journey.

May your next holiday be blessed with true Sabbath rest, drawing you closer to God and those you love.