Resources Podcast Blog About Contact

Live From Rest Podcast #06
Struggling with Anxiety? Discover the Thoughtful Sabbath with Joshua Luke Smith

In a world that constantly demands our attention, productivity, and energy, the practice of Sabbath offers a radical invitation. Today’s culture glorifies the hustle and bustle so much to the point that rest can feel counterintuitive, even irresponsible. Yet, true Sabbath is not about inactivity; it’s about intentional restoration. It is a sacred rhythm that reconnects us to God, ourselves, and the people around us.

In this episode, Steve Smith sits down once again with musician, poet, and church leader Joshua Luke Smith to explore the idea of the Thoughtful Sabbath. Building on the previous episode’s conversation, Joshua shares how rest is not just about stopping work but about creating space in our minds and hearts to experience God’s presence. Drawing from scripture, personal experience, and the transformative power of worship, Joshua challenges us to take every thought captive, replacing anxiety with peace and worry with faith. Joshua offers a fresh perspective on Sabbath as a practice of spiritual warfare—cleansing the mind like Jesus cleansed the temple. 

This conversation is for anyone seeking to live with greater peace and intentionality—whether you're battling stress, wrestling with grief, or simply longing for a deeper connection with God

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

  1. Reflect on how Sabbath is more than just a day of rest—it’s a way of thinking that brings peace, clarity, and spiritual renewal in the midst of life’s busyness.
  2. Learn how to take every thought captive and replace anxiety, fear, and worry with God’s truth through the practice of the Thoughtful Sabbath.
  3. Discover how rest can be an act of spiritual warfare, helping you cleanse your mind and heart just as Jesus cleansed the temple.

Resources

 

Episode Highlights

Introduction and Overview of the Podcast

  • This episode continues a two-part discussion with musician, poet, and church leader Joshua Luke Smith
  • He brings fresh insights into the practice of Sabbath. 
  • Steve recommends revisiting the previous episode for context before diving into this one.

Joshua Luke Smith's Experience at David's Tent

  • A powerful experience at David’s Tent, a 72-hour worship gathering, left a lasting impact on Joshua Luke Smith. 
  • The event brought together worship leaders from around the world, including artists from Bethel. 

Joshua: “I was just saying this word, this prayer under my breath, very simple—‘even now, even now I believe.’ It was a broken prayer, an expression of grief. A year later, we were on that stage, and 5,000 people were singing it back, declaring their own breakthrough”

  • Reflecting on a difficult season the previous year, he shares how the loss of a close friend, Esther, made returning to David’s Tent deeply emotional. 
  • In a moment of worship, he found himself praying a broken prayer—“even now”—which later became the foundation for a song that resonated with thousands.

The Significance of the Song "Even Now"

  • Born out of personal grief and faith, the song Even Now became a message of breakthrough and divine exchange. 
  • Joshua describes how it emerged from his prayer at David’s Tent and how its lyrics have since brought hope to many. 
  • Steve highlights that the song, along with others from Orphan No More, is available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Introduction to the Thoughtful Sabbath

  • The concept of the Thoughtful Sabbath challenges the idea that rest is solely about physical stillness. 
  • Joshua explains how Sabbath can also be practiced in the mind, offering a way to engage in peace and renewal throughout the day. 
  • Anxiety and fear often take root in thought life, making it crucial to cultivate moments of mental Sabbath. 
  • Referencing Psalm 139, he emphasizes the importance of meditating on God’s precious thoughts toward us.

Joshua: “"How precious to me are your thoughts. O God, how vast the sum of them. If I were to count them, there would be more than the grains of sand on all the beaches." ( Quote from Psalm 139: 17)”

The Role of Meditation and the Holy Spirit

  • Meditation, as instructed to Joshua in the Old Testament, plays a vital role in renewing the mind. 
  • Joshua describes how the Holy Spirit actively works to remove negative thoughts, comparing it to an eviction process. 
  • Taking every thought captive is not passive—it is an intentional act of spiritual warfare. 

Joshua: “Perfect love casts out fear. Perfect love doesn't ask fear to lead politely. It casts it out. The Holy Spirit will move from the very core of our beings that which does not have permission to live there anymore.”

  • 2 Corinthians 10, illustrates how shifting thought patterns can bring lasting peace and freedom.

The Paradox of Violent Cleansing for Rest

  • The discussion turns to the paradox of Jesus cleansing the temple—an intense, disruptive act that ultimately created space for true worship. 
  • Joshua explains that engaging in the Thoughtful Sabbath requires discipline, much like the intentional clearing out of distractions. 
  • Steve shares a quote from his daughter’s wall, describing discipline as “an act of kindness to your future self.” 
  • Together, they reflect on how the effort required for Sabbath is always rewarded with deeper rest and spiritual renewal.

Conclusion and Even Now 

  • Steve encourages listeners to incorporate Sabbath practices into their daily lives with the help of the Live from Rest app. 
  • Joshua shares where his music and the Orphan No More community can be found. 
  • The episode closes with a performance of Even Now.
  • This is an offer of a final moment of reflection on the power of rest, faith, and God’s presence in every season.

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.

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. Step into a rhythm of rest that renews your mind and spirit. Embrace the Sabbath as a daily practice that brings clarity, peace, and alignment with God’s truth. True rest isn’t about doing less—it’s about making space for what truly matters.

Have any questions? You can connect with me on Instagram.

Thank you for tuning in! For more updates, tune in on Apple Podcasts.