Why Resting Matters: A Biblical Reminder for Women Who Never Slow Down
Why resting matters is something I’ve only recently started to understand. Not sleep, I usually get plenty of that. I’m talking about real rest. The kind that slows your thoughts, settles your soul, and gives your body and spirit space to breathe. For many of us, rest feels unproductive or even lazy, but Scripture tells a very different story.
When Rest Feels Like a Waste of Time
My daughter-in-law absolutely loves massages. She’ll book an hour-long session and often falls asleep halfway through. Sounds amazing, right?
For me, though? A massage feels like torture. I can’t relax. My mind is racing the entire time: “What do I need to do when I get home?” “How long is this thing going to last?” I’m squirming on the inside while someone is trying to help me rest.
I’m not proud of it, but taking time to be still often feels…unproductive. Unless I’m completely worn out, I’m doing something. If I sit down, it’s usually with a to-do list in one hand and guilt in the other.
And when I see someone post a picture of a book they’re reading? My first thought isn’t, “That looks good!” It’s, “Who has time to read a whole book?” I haven’t finished a book since my sister published her last one!
Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV)
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
God, the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and everything in between, rested.
He didn’t just sit down because He was tired. He set an example. He blessed the seventh day. He made it holy.
If God thought rest was important enough to include it in the creation story, shouldn’t we?
Our Resistance to Rest
I know the Bible is a guide for how to live our lives, and yet, I don’t follow this part very well. It’s not that I can’t rest on one day; it’s that I don’t. I could write the blog posts I need ahead of time, and take a day off, but more often than not, I don’t.
Let’s be real here: God created the world in six days. If He could take a break, surely I can too. My blog post isn’t going to build the universe or part the seas.
So why is it so hard to rest?
The Invitation to Lay It All Down
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
This verse is well-known for a reason. We are weary. We are burdened. Life is a constant juggling act, family, work, housework, errands, appointments. And the longer we juggle, the more exhausted we become. Eventually, something drops. Or we do.
Jesus isn’t just offering us rest for our bodies. He’s offering peace for our souls.
Choosing Rest Anyway
I’ve scheduled my posts for tomorrow. It is already written, and. today, I’m going to rest, even if it is a challenge for me.
I’ll sit on the back porch, coffee in hand, and watch the bees and the birds dance around the fountain, or go to the pool later with my daughter. I’ll take a deep breath and choose stillness, not because I’ve earned it, but because God says it’s good.
And I’ll try to remember that rest isn’t a reward. It’s a rhythm. One we were designed for.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s End with a Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gentle reminder that rest is not only allowed but encouraged. Help us to release our guilt and our need to be constantly busy. Teach us to embrace stillness and quiet, knowing that You meet us there. Refresh our bodies and renew our spirits so that we can serve You from a place of peace. Thank You for setting the example and inviting us into Your rest.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Oh, you are so like me! I have to make myself sit down and rest. the only reason I have finished quite a few books is that I put audiobooks on my phone so I can do housework and cook while I listen to the stories. have you been listening to my audiobooks when I drive anywhere.
But lately I am trying to make myself spend some time resting. It’s the only way to overcome stress and anxiety lately.
Thank you for such a timely reminder to be still and enjoy the beautiful world the Creator gave us.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 helps to remind me to quiet my mind and spirit as well as my body in order to truly rest. Thank you for the beautiful reminder that rest is as important as work.
Tania, thank you so much for these thoughts. They are so true. I always have so much to do that if I try to rest my mind just races. This is such a good reminder that God designed rest as part of His creation. It is His will for us to rest! All of the things I have to do will still be there when I am finished resting. Maybe He created rest so that we would stop our busyness and have time to listen to His still small voice. I am not going to feel guilty about resting any more! Thank you, thank you.
Amen!
I typically never comment but today I am so moved to say thank you! Thank you for reminding us that rest… the kind the Lord tells us is exactly what we need.
Thanks for reading the post, and taking the time to leave a comment.
Eeek. God forced His hand making me rest a couple months ago. I am terrible about resting. I was burning out from working so many hours, but didn’t realize it. Finally He reduced my schedule for me (ie, He changed my work situation beyond my control, LOL) and as soon as I slowed down, I just crashed. I’m talking crash and burn. Where is the embarrassed face emoji when you need it? Anyhow, I’m working on a better work/life balance now. At least trying to. Part of that is making sure I have some time each week to rest. 🙂
That’s what I’m afraid will also happen to me. So, I’m doing my best to set aside one day for rest…I might be a work in progress.
🙂 Love how God makes things happen that are so good for us! Commenting also because your emoji is the only one I could find on Tonia’s post. Lol
I am 77, retired, took care of my husband who died with cancer 13 yrs ago. Have had other heartbreaking incidents. I have a group of friends and we do things 4 days a week at least. But I can now relax and rest and I’ve learned to commune with God. I feel blessed and hope you ladies will learn to take time for yourselves. We never know what the future may have in store for us. God Bless each one of you!
I am the same! There is so much to do in a day that my mind is always thinking what should I do next😄 I will have to try harder to rest
Manicures & pedicures or massages are not relaxing to me! I can make myself sit & read. Thank you for your Sunday posts they are my favorite!
I make time for a manicure, and a few pedicures, but only because I have my photos taken so often.