How to Take a Sabbath Rest as a Homemaker
I smiled as I ticked off the last item on my to-do list.
Laundry—done. Dishes—done. Vacuuming—done. Every last task completed.
It’s not every day I finish it all, so when it happens, it feels like a victory worth celebrating.
But that joy? It’s only temporary. Because as a homemaker, I know what’s waiting for me tomorrow—laundry, dishes, floors, and everything else that keeps a home running.
No matter how many times you wash the dishes, your family will eat again, and the sink will fill right back up. Every time you mop the floor, someone spills juice. And every time you fold the last pair of socks, your kids manage to shed another stinky pair—probably right on the floor.
Homemaking is a cycle that never ends. And while we pour so much of ourselves into caring for our homes, our bodies and souls long for something more—rest.
God didn’t create us to be constantly on the go. Yet for many of us, rest feels just out of reach.
We tell ourselves there’s too much to do, and when we finally try to slow down, guilt creeps in. We worry that taking a break means we’re being lazy.
But rest was never meant to be a burden.
It was meant to be a blessing.
“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”
—Mark 2:27 (KJV)
So how can busy homemakers learn to embrace this beautiful gift from God?
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The Biblical Call to Rest
Our modern world glorifies busyness. We measure our value by our productivity and wear exhaustion like a badge of honor.
But even God—who created the universe—rested.
In Genesis, we read that He created the world in six days, and on the seventh, He rested and declared all He made good. Resting wasn’t weakness—it was intentional. It was holy.
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
—Exodus 20:8 (KJV)
When we rest, we follow His example. We pause not because the work is done, but because God designed us to stop and be renewed.
Why Homemakers Struggle with Sabbath Rest
Let’s be honest—you might be thinking, “Rest sounds wonderful, but it’s not realistic for me.”
And I get it.
- The to-do list never ends. When chores pile up, taking a day off feels like falling behind.
- We feel pressure to be productive. There’s always a “quick task” that turns into a full day of cleaning.
- We feel guilty if the house isn’t perfect. Resting while the laundry sits in baskets feels wrong.
- Our families still need us. Kids still need to eat, spills still happen, and the work of motherhood doesn’t stop.
But the truth is, rest will never just happen.
You have to prepare for it.
How to Prepare for a Sabbath Day of Rest
A Sabbath day of rest should refresh your soul, not add more stress. Here are four simple ways to make it happen:
1. Plan Ahead
Take a little time the day before to set yourself up for peace. That doesn’t mean you have to double your chores—just do a light catch-up. Wash a load of laundry, tidy the kitchen, or prep a simple meal.
Think of it as preparing your home to rest with you.
2. Simplify Your Meals
Sunday dinner doesn’t have to be elaborate (unless that brings you joy!).
Sometimes we have a traditional meal like pot roast and potatoes. Other times, it’s sandwiches or hot dogs. Either way is fine.
If cooking stresses you out, let it be an easy dinner—throw something in the slow cooker or enjoy leftovers. Real dishes and silverware are optional!
3. Tidy Up Lightly
A quick Saturday reset makes a big difference. A peaceful environment helps you rest better.
On your Sabbath, focus only on the basics. Don’t chase perfection—pursue peace.
4. Involve Your Family
Explain to your family why you’re setting aside this day.
You might decide to go screen-free, take a walk together, or spend quiet time reading.
Let your family see that this isn’t a punishment—it’s a gift of togetherness and worship.
What Sabbath Rest Might Look Like at Home
Every family’s Sabbath will look a little different, and that’s okay.
Here are some ideas to help you build yours:
- Attend church together.
- Enjoy fellowship with friends or family.
- Take an afternoon nap.
- Read Scripture, journal, or listen to worship music.
- Go for a walk or play board games together.
- Have a “no work” rule for chores and home projects.
The point isn’t what you do—it’s that you pause the striving and turn your heart toward the Lord.
Letting Go of Perfection
Here’s the truth: a homemaker’s Sabbath probably won’t look like a cozy, quiet day with tea and a novel (though that sounds lovely).
There will still be crumbs, laundry, and noise.
But rest isn’t about stillness—it’s about surrender.
It’s the choice to say, “God, I trust You to hold my home together today.”
It’s about shifting your heart from productivity to peace.
Don’t miss out on the blessing of rest by waiting for perfect circumstances.
The Blessing of Sabbath Rest for Homemakers
Rest may not look the way you imagine, but it still holds incredible blessings:
1. Rest brings spiritual refreshment.
A Sabbath gives us time to reconnect with God—unrushed and unhurried.
2. Rest renews us physically.
Your body was designed for rhythm—work and rest. When you slow down, your body and mind are restored.
3. Rest resets us emotionally.
Constant busyness wears us thin. Slowing down with family helps restore peace and joy.
4. Rest shifts our perspective.
When we pause, we remember who truly sustains our homes—God. Not our effort, not our checklists, but Him alone.
Set Aside Your Sabbath Day of Rest This Week
Friend, God called you to be the keeper of your home—but He never asked you to do it in your own strength.
He offers you rest. Not when everything is perfect, but in the middle of the mess.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
So this week, try setting aside a day to rest—to enjoy your family, to worship, and to breathe deeply in God’s presence.
He’s waiting for you there—with open arms and peace that passes all understanding.
