Rest Is Holy: Resting God’s Way

In a world where we are constantly being told to hustle and bustle, it’s no wonder we feel a sense of guilt when we’re simply sitting still. I myself can attest to many times where I’ve struggled with the idea of resting, such as taking time off from work, engaging in leisure, or even just pausing for a quiet moment. But not anymore, because here’s what I’ve learned: busyness does not equal productivity.

Yes, Scripture encourages diligence and warns against laziness (Proverbs 10:4), but it also commands us to rest. This isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a part of God’s design and it’s called the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is more than just a day off—it’s a reminder that our identity is not in what we do, but in who we belong to. When we rest, we declare that God is our Lord, our strength, our source, and that we trust Him enough to pause…and breathe.

Foreal, foreal Sis—God wants us to be fruitful, not frantic!

With all the hats we wear and the titles we’ve obtained, it’s easy to fall into the trap of toxic hustle culture. We end up doing too much, moving from one task to the next, without ever truly pausing to seek God and ask: “Lord, is this even Your will for me?”

This is why rest should never be negotiable. And it should never carry shame or guilt. Rest is holy, as it is a form of worship. It’s a sacred pause that helps us quiet the noise, open our ears, and realign our hearts with Heaven.

When we resist rest, we risk running on empty and confusing motion with meaning. Truthfully? We end up conforming to the very patterns of the world that God called us out of.

But when we embrace rest?

We make room for God to speak, to restore, and to strengthen us from the inside out. And that divine renewal gives us the clarity and fuel we need to walk boldly in the purpose He’s actually called us to.

So this Memorial holiday, I encourage you to REST.

Not just the kind of rest that involves lounging or binge-watching shows (though a nap or a good movie has its place!), but a holy rest. The kind of rest that is intentional, nourishes your soul, and draws you closer to the heart of God. It’s all about pausing from striving so you can be filled again with purpose and peace. Here are a few ways you can embrace and honor rest this holiday:

• Spend time in prayer—not rushed, not checking off a box, but simply talking to God and listening.

• Read Scripture slowly, not to study or teach, but to soak in His voice and let it renew you (Psalm 23:3).

• Take a quiet walk in nature and thank God for His creation.

• Journal your thoughts and reflect on what God has done and is doing in your life.

• Worship through music—let songs that lift up His name wash over your heart.

• Take a break from social media to reconnect with your own thoughts and with God.

• Enjoy rest with community—spend intentional, present time with loved ones, practicing gratitude and joy.

Remember that rest is sacred and not selfish! Let God restore you so you can return to your work with abundant clarity, strength, and joy.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, My God in Heaven,

I take this moment to pause and come to You for rest. I’ve been going and going, and now I want to stop right here, and right now to acknowledge You. To recognize that You are my Lord, my strength, and my source. There is nothing and no one else who can restore and renew my soul like You can.

Thank You for what You are doing in my life, and for the opportunities You have graciously blessed me with. Thank You for always opening Your arms to receive me, even when I’ve allowed my work and obligations to come before You.

Lord, I ask that You teach me how to be still, how to slow down, and be intentional in seeking Your presence. I know that no matter what is going on around me, You are right here beside me, ready to give me the rest and strength I need to carry on.

So today, Lord, quiet all distractions. Speak to me. Help me not to worry or feel guilty when I choose to be still in You. May my rest be worship and may my pause be praise.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on this week:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy…” (Genesis 2:2-3)

“And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy.” (Ezekiel 20:12)