We all have busy lives filled with work, family, and personal responsibilities. It can be tempting to constantly stay in motion and never take a moment to rest. However, rest is a gift from God essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Do you ever feel like you are constantly running on empty? Do you struggle with burnout, stress, anxiety, or insomnia? These are all signs that you may not be getting the rest you need. There are many reasons why we may struggle with rest. We live in a culture that values productivity over rest, we have endless distractions from technology, and we may struggle with guilt or perfectionism that tells us we always need to be doing something. However, God calls us to a different way of living. Scripture instructs us that rest is not only a physical need but a spiritual practice. It is a way to lean into God’s grace and trust in His provision. So how can we bring more rest into our lives?
Prioritize Physical Rest
First, we can prioritize rest. We can create intentional space in our schedules for rest, whether it be a Sabbath day, a lunch break, or even just a few minutes each day to unwind. We can also set boundaries around work and technology to ensure they do not control our lives.
Cultivate Spiritual Rest
Second, we can cultivate rest in our hearts. We can lean on Scripture as a source of comfort and wisdom. We can practice gratitude, prayer, and worship to shift our focus from our struggles to God’s goodness.
Trust God
Finally, we can trust that God is with us in our rest. In our moments of weakness, God invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. He promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
So, I ask you: Are you prioritizing rest in your life? What are the barriers that are keeping you from rest? What small steps can you take today to bring more rest into your life?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the gift of rest. Help us to trust in your provision and to prioritize rest in our lives. Show us where to let go of control and trust in your grace. Help us to cultivate rest in our hearts and to find peace in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Call to Action
Take a few moments to reflect on your life. Write down any barriers that are keeping you from rest and come up with three small steps you can take this week to prioritize rest. Share your plan with a friend or family member and ask them to hold you accountable. Remember, rest is a gift from God that we all need to thrive.
