It was a delight to have our friend Joe Gisbey’s (CEO of Links) with us. His message – part of our Rooted Series, was on The Practice of Sabbath. Joe describes Sabbath as the practice that keeps our spiritual “roots” deep in God, enabling us to withstand heat, drought, and pressure (“Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought…”). God’s design for human flourishing through resting in him. He quoted St Augustine of Hippo who said: “Thou hast made us for thyself and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” Brilliant!
He traces Sabbath back to Genesis 2, in the creation story and described how God rested not because He was tired, but because creation was complete and good. Humanity’s first full day is a day of rest, meaning we are created to live from rest, not for rest. Joe emphasised that rest and creativity are not opposites; true creativity flows from a rested soul.
Joe talked about how consumerism and the endless pursuit of “just a little bit more” (Rockefeller) distorts our desires and exhaust our hearts. The practice of Sabbath (setting aside time, ideally 24 hours at the start of each week) is a counter‑formation practice—one that reorders our desires, quiets striving, and anchors our identity in God rather than achievement or material possessions.
Joe described Sabbath as “Sacred Architecture” a weekly rhythm of delight, worship, shared meals, walking, gratitude, intimacy, and time with God. Whatever is life-giving to your soul! Sabbath becomes both a refuge and a reorientation, restoring the soul and grounding life in God’s presence.
How could you develop this practice of Sabbath to bring life to your soul each week to help you become more Rooted in God?
Watch
Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.