Soul Care, Not Self Care: Finding Rest in the Sabbath
Photo by Hernan Sanchez on Unsplash
We live in a world that celebrates self-care. From spa days to slow mornings with coffee, we’re constantly told to “treat yo self.” And while surface-level self-care has its place, it doesn’t go deep enough.
Biblical rest—soul care—isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about allowing God to restore us from the inside out, so we can continue to pour into others.
The difference? Our heart posture.
Why I Needed This Reminder
I’ll be honest—I’m tired. Overwhelmed. Burned out. Ironically, I missed my own deadline for this post last week because I needed to pause and rest.
This isn’t me pretending I have it all together. Actually, this might be more for me than anyone else.
But if you’re still here, let’s explore what it really means to rest in the Lord.
Self-Care Can’t Reach the Soul
Self-care meets surface needs—like a nap, a bubble bath, or your favorite treat. And those things can be helpful. But soul care is deeper. It’s God-breathed renewal that sustains us through every season.
It’s also important to care for our physical bodies:
Hormones and cycles: As women, our energy and mood shift throughout the month. Knowing where I am in my cycle helps me understand fatigue or irritability.
Food and hydration: Skipping meals or forgetting water catches up to me fast.
Sleep: Burning the candle at both ends wears down more than just your body.
However, while physical care is important, soul-level rest can only come from the Lord. That’s where the Sabbath comes in.
What the Bible Says About the Sabbath
In Exodus 16, God told His people not to gather manna on the Sabbath. Still, some disobeyed. The Lord said:
“Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He gives you bread for two days.” (Exodus 16:29)
When we surrender our time and trust Him with our needs, He meets us with something even better than productivity—peace.
The Sabbath isn’t just a rule. It’s a gift. A holy invitation to stop striving and let God be God.
What My Sabbath Looks Like
The Sabbath will look different for everyone, but here’s how I find rest and restoration:
Reading the Word: I open my journaling Bible and let the Word soak in slowly, without rushing.
Quiet reflection: I pause throughout the day to pray, listen, and be still.
Screen-free hobbies: Diamond painting or puzzles help me slow down while thinking on what I’ve read.
Soaking in a bath: With worship instrumentals and Epsom salt—it’s the reset I didn’t know I needed.
Family connection: We often watch football together as a way to enjoy each other’s company and unplug.
For moms, Sabbath rest may not look picture-perfect. But even inviting your kids into simple rest—like reading or playing quietly—teaches them the value of honoring God’s rhythm.
Jesus on the Sabbath
In Mark 2:27, Jesus reminds us:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
It’s not about legalism or performance. It’s about trust. It’s about freedom.
Final Thoughts: Rest Is Worship
You don’t have to earn rest. God designed you for it.
The world might tell you to hustle harder, but the Lord calls you to trust deeper.
This post came later than planned, but I believe it’s better because of the rest I finally honored. Let it be your reminder, too: Soul care isn’t a luxury. It’s obedience, worship, and healing all wrapped into one.
