Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
We live in a culture that celebrates hustle. Rest is often seen as weakness or laziness—something to earn only after we’ve exhausted ourselves with achievement. But Jesus offers a different invitation:
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” (Psalm 23:2 ESV)
Sometimes we don’t even realize how tired we are until we stop. The Shepherd leads us to stillness not to punish us, but to restore us. Real rest renews our spirit, recalibrates our priorities, and reminds us that God is in control.
Rest isn’t just for the end of the race—it’s woven into the journey. And it’s deeply connected to stability: the long obedience of committing to a way of life that nourishes us, slowly and steadily.
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” (Isaiah 30:15 ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 ESV).
Jesus invites the wear to rest. Rest is entering into a rhythm of grace, a sacred place. From the very beginning, God built rest into the design of Creation. He didn’t need to rest—but He chose to, blessing the seventh day as holy. When we stop striving and step into stillness, we echo that divine rhythm. We remember that we are not machines; we are beloved children of God. Our worth isn’t in how much we accomplish—it’s in who we belong to.
Spiritual Move: Stability — Experience the peace that comes from long-term faithfulness. Plant roots in a community, place, or spiritual practice. Rest isn’t about checking out—it’s about showing up, consistently, in a sustainable way.
Journaling Prompt: Where in your life do you feel the effects of exhaustion—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? How might committing to stability in a specific area bring you rest and renewal?
Move It: Choose rest today—not as a reward, but as a response to God’s love. Let go of hustle, and enter into stillness. Rest like it’s sacred—because it is.