✦ Introduction ✦
We live in a world that celebrates constant motion; the busier we are, the more valuable we seem. But in God’s eyes, rest is not laziness; it’s obedience. Rest is part of our design, a divine rhythm woven into creation itself. It’s not simply about taking a break.. it’s about trusting that God holds everything together even when we pause.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
In this post, we’ll explore why rest matters so deeply to our walk with Christ, what the Bible says about it, and how you can begin embracing holy rest in your everyday life.
1. God Created Us to Rest
The Rhythm of Creation
In Genesis, God set a precedent:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” — Genesis 2:2
God didn’t rest because He was tired. He rested to set an example for us. The Sabbath was not just a rule; it was a gift. A space carved out for reflection, worship, and renewal.
Rest Is Worship
When we stop working, we acknowledge something powerful: we are not God. The world will not fall apart if we pause, because God is the one who sustains it. Choosing to rest is choosing to trust Him more deeply.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8
2. Jesus Is Our True Rest
The Invitation of Jesus
Rest isn’t just physical, it’s spiritual. Jesus said:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
This is the kind of rest our souls long for… not the kind that a nap can fix, but the kind that brings peace to the restless heart.
Resting in His Presence
Jesus Himself modeled rest. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray, even in the midst of ministry. He showed us that stepping away to be with the Father is not wasting time.
When we slow down, we make room to hear God’s voice, to breathe again, and to realign our hearts with His.
3. Why Rest Matters for Every Area of Life
- Spiritually: Rest renews your connection with God and strengthens your prayer life.
- Mentally: A rested mind discerns better, prays clearer, and creates space for peace.
- Emotionally: Rest helps heal anxiety, frustration, and burnout.
- Physically: God designed your body to need rhythm — work and rest, not endless strain.
- Relationally: When we are rested, we love others better.
Rest allows you to live from peace, not for it.
4. Practical Ways to Embrace Rest
✦ 1. Schedule Sabbath Rhythms
Choose a day or portion of a day to stop working. No emails, no to-do lists.. just worship, rest, and presence. Make it sacred. Light a candle, pray, or journal what you’re grateful for.
✦ 2. Start Your Day With Stillness
Even five minutes of quiet in the morning can set your focus on God instead of the world. Read a Psalm, breathe deeply, and invite His peace into your thoughts before the day begins.
✦ 3. Disconnect to Reconnect
Turn off notifications and take a walk, read Scripture, or do something creative that draws you closer to Him. (If you enjoy creative devotionals, you might love browsing my art shop! I create pieces designed to inspire peace and rest in your home.)
✦ 4. Journal Reflections
Write out your worries, prayers, and praises. Ask:
- “Where am I resisting rest?”
- “What might God want to show me in stillness?”
Journaling helps your heart slow down enough to listen.
✦ 5. Practice Creative Rest
Rest isn’t always sitting still; it can be doing something that fills your spirit. Paint, play music, walk in nature, or spend time with loved ones. You can explore more ways to bring creativity and faith together in my post: The Role Of Faith In Overcoming Depression
5. When Rest Feels Impossible
You might feel like you can’t slow down.. the world demands too much, people rely on you, or you feel guilty for pausing. But God never asked you to carry the weight of everything.
Rest reminds us:
- We are not defined by productivity.
- We are loved even when we’re not “doing.”
- We can trust God to work while we rest.
Let your rest become an act of faith — proof that you believe God is enough.
✦ Conclusion ✦
Rest is not a sign of weakness but rather a declaration of trust. It’s choosing to live by grace instead of grind, by presence instead of pressure.
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14
May your days be marked not by endless striving, but by the rhythm of holy rest.
✦ Sources ✦
For further reading, see this helpful article on The Biblical and Emotional Benefits of Rest.
✦ About The Author ✦
Selah is a passionate Christian lifestyle blogger dedicated to helping readers grow in faith and live intentionally with God at the center of their daily lives. Through devotionals, practical tips, and personal reflections, she inspires others to deepen their relationship with Jesus and embrace a life of worship, gratitude, and spiritual growth.
• Make sure to follow my socials! → https://linktr.ee/selahshalom
• Shop devotional art and prints here → https://fernofthevalley.wordpress.com/shop/
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