Rest is more than just a pause from work—it’s a sacred rhythm woven into the fabric of creation. Far from simply being a passive retreat, true rest is an intentional practice that grounds us in our identity, purpose, and relationship with God. In a world consumed by productivity and endless demands, embracing rest offers a powerful counterbalance, allowing us to step away from striving and experience the deep peace found in alignment with God’s design.

In this episode of The Live from Rest Podcast, host Steve Smith is joined by his son, Joshua Luke Smith—musician, poet, church leader, and founder of Orphan No More. Together, they explore the significance of Sabbath, uncovering its biblical roots, spiritual depth, and practical application in daily life. In a culture that glorifies busyness, Sabbath presents a radical alternative—a divine invitation to pause, reflect, and enter into true rest. 

This episode speaks to anyone feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or longing for a greater sense of peace and purpose. 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Discover how Sabbath is a sacred practice that reshapes your understanding of rest, work, and God's presence.
2. Learn how biblical teachings and spiritual insights reveal the transformative power of Sabbath.
3. Explore practical ways to embrace Sabbath as a life-giving rhythm, allowing space for worship, reflection, and deeper connection with God.
   

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Orphan No More Collective: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Joshua Luke Smith: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
• Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller
• Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel 

Episode Highlights

• [0:13] Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

  • Steve introduces this episode’s guest, his son, Joshua Luke Smith, a musician, poet, church leader, and conference speaker.
  • Joshua heads up an artistic community called Orphan No More, which produces worship music.
  • The podcast is the first in a two-part series on Sabbath, with Joshua sharing his thoughts and reflections.

  [1:40] Joshua's Journey with Sabbath

  • The practice of Sabbath began unintentionally for Joshua and his wife, Cara, when they decided to keep Saturdays as a day of rest. 
  • Over time, as their life became busier the importance of this pause became clearer as life grew busier. 
  • What started as a simple break evolved into a discovery of the biblical and spiritual foundation of Sabbath. 
  • Through this realization, Joshua embraced a richer perspective on rest, seeing it as a sacred rhythm rather than just time off.

  [4:10] Biblical and Spiritual Significance of Sabbath

  • A reading from Exodus 20:8-11 sets the foundation for understanding Sabbath as a holy day. 
  • The Hebrew word for “holy” (Qodesh) reflects the sacredness of a wedding day, emphasizing the act of setting time apart. 
  • Joshua explains that sanctifying a day for rest allows for deep, transformative encounters with God. 
  • The Sabbath was given to the Israelites not just as a break from labor but as a way to reshape their identity—no longer slaves but cherished by God.

  [8:16] Joshua: “The Sabbath isn't there so that we can rest from working so we can work more. The Sabbath is there, so that we can make sense of why we work and where we work from.”

  [10:16] Practical Application of Sabbath

  • Incorporating Sabbath into daily life can take many forms. For Joshua and Cara, it includes worship, prayer, and intentional time together. 
  • The focus is not just on ceasing work but on embracing identity as beloved children of God. 
  • A quote from Abraham Joshua Heschel encapsulates this idea: “There is a realm of time where the goal is not to have but to be.” 
  • Rather than a retreat from work, Sabbath serves as a practice of resistance against the relentless pace of modern life.

  [11:11] Joshua: “We have to remember we are not human doings. We are human beings, and the Sabbath is what reminds us of that.”

  [11:31] Reflections on Rhythm and Lifestyle

  • A deeper look into the words “rhythm” and “lifestyle” reveals how Sabbath is more than a rule—it’s a divine principle. 
  • Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 to embrace the “unforced rhythms of grace” aligns with this perspective. 
  • Shelly Miller’s book, Rhythms of Rest, further explores how Sabbath brings a sense of contentment and reveals the fullness of God’s holiness in everyday life.
  • Joshua explains that the Sabbath is a discipline that helps us discover the fullness of God's holiness in our lives.

  [13:31] Spiritual Dimension of Physical Acts

  • A parallel is drawn between Sabbath and other spiritual practices like marriage and communion. 
  • Physical acts carry spiritual weight, shaping our relationship with God. 
  • Joshua emphasizes that humanity was created the day before God rested, meaning the first human experience was not work, but witnessing God at rest. 
  • This serves as a reminder that identity is not rooted in productivity but in being fully known and loved by God.

  [15:18] Joshua: “Man was created the day before God rested, so that man's first experience of God would be a father at rest.”

  [15:36] Conclusion and Call to Action

  • The episode closes with reflections on the power of Sabbath and an invitation to explore its meaning personally. 
  • Joshua provides links to his music, poems, and the Orphan No More community.
  • Listeners are encouraged to join the next part of the Sabbath series and to explore previous podcast recordings.
  • Steve wraps up with a preview of Part 2 in the series, inviting everyone to dive deeper into the conversation on Sabbath in the next episode.

About Joshua Luke Smith

Joshua Luke Smith is a poet, musician, speaker, and community builder passionate about using creativity to inspire and uplift others. As the founder of Orphan No More, a collective dedicated to crafting authentic art that speaks to the human experience, he has created a space where music, poetry, and storytelling intersect with faith and personal transformation. His work explores themes of identity, rest, and spiritual renewal, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live with purpose and connection. Whether through his music, writing, or public speaking, Joshua invites others into deeper reflection on their journey with God.

Rooted in a rich spiritual and cultural background, Joshua's message is shaped by a desire to see people live fully as their true selves—free from striving and deeply anchored in God’s love. His teaching on Sabbath and rest challenges the relentless pace of modern life, encouraging listeners to embrace rhythms that bring peace and restoration. Known for his thoughtful and poetic approach, he weaves together biblical wisdom, personal experience, and creative expression to make timeless truths accessible and transformative. 

Connect with Joshua through his website and social media to explore his latest music, poetry, and teachings.

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