Embracing God’s Gift of Rest For christian Women
In today’s fast-paced culture, many of us—especially women—feel like we’re always on the go. We’re juggling work, family responsibilities, ministry commitments, and more, often leaving little room for ourselves, let alone God. But what if I told you that God calls us to rest? In fact, resting in Christ is not just a nice idea; it’s essential for our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. When we rest in Him, we find a sense of peace and renewal that no “self-care” trend can match.
In this article, we’ll unpack the biblical foundation for rest, why it's so crucial for our spiritual lives, and how embracing God’s gift of rest can transform the way we approach our daily lives. And if you’re ready to dive deeper, don’t miss my latest podcast episode on this very topic, where I talk about practical ways to embrace rest, let go of busyness, and trust God in every season.
Why Resting in Christ Matters
1. God Commands Us to Rest
Did you know that rest is woven into the very fabric of creation? In Genesis, after God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them, He rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). Now, we know God doesn’t get tired like we do—so why did He rest? God set an example for us, demonstrating the importance of pausing and reflecting. He even included rest as a commandment, reminding us to keep the Sabbath holy (Exodus 20:8-10).
Resting isn’t just about taking a physical break; it’s about honoring God’s design and trusting that He’s in control. When we rest, we’re acknowledging that we don’t have to carry every burden alone. As Christian women, our strength comes from God, and when we pause, we give Him space to refresh us.
2. Jesus Invites Us to Find Rest in Him
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends a beautiful invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” These words are a gentle reminder that we’re not meant to carry our stress, worries, and responsibilities alone. Jesus promises a rest that’s different from the world’s definition. It’s not just about relaxing on a beach or watching TV; it’s a rest for our souls.
When we go to Jesus with our burdens, He exchanges our heaviness for His peace. He doesn’t remove all our responsibilities, but He does give us the strength to handle them in a way that doesn’t drain our souls. Resting in Christ means surrendering our worries, our “to-do” lists, and our fears, trusting that He has everything under control.
3. Rest Renews Our Minds and Spirits
Romans 12:2 encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” But how can our minds be renewed when we’re constantly bombarded with information, tasks, and responsibilities? When we intentionally step back and rest in God’s presence, we create space for Him to renew us.
Taking time to rest isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. In fact, resting allows us to show up for others with a heart full of love and grace. Without rest, we risk burnout, resentment, and spiritual dryness. But when we’re filled up with God’s peace and presence, we can pour out love to our families, friends, and communities.
Practical Ways to Find Rest in Christ
Embracing rest in Christ doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your life overnight. It’s about making small, intentional changes that help you connect with God and recharge. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
1. Set Aside Daily Quiet Time
Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, dedicate some quiet time to be with God. Use this time to pray, read Scripture, or simply sit in silence, allowing God to speak to your heart. Sometimes, we’re so busy talking to God about our problems that we forget to just listen. By setting aside daily quiet time, you’re creating a rhythm of rest that can refuel you spiritually.
2. Practice Sabbath Rest
God designed the Sabbath as a gift for us—a day to pause from work and enjoy His presence. While taking a full day off may not always be feasible, find ways to honor the spirit of the Sabbath. Maybe this means setting aside Saturday afternoons for rest or choosing one evening a week to disconnect from work, social media, and any other distractions. Use this time to do things that bring you joy and draw you closer to God.
3. Let Go of Perfectionism
Many Christian women struggle with the need to “do it all” and do it perfectly. But here’s the thing—God doesn’t expect perfection from us. When we rest in Christ, we acknowledge that our worth isn’t based on our accomplishments or how perfectly we manage our lives. Letting go of perfectionism is an act of trust, recognising that God’s grace fills in the gaps.
4. Engage in Worship and Gratitude
One of the most powerful ways to rest is through worship. When we focus on God’s goodness and express gratitude for His blessings, our worries start to fade. Worship allows us to shift our attention away from what’s wrong and onto what’s right with God. Try keeping a gratitude journal, listing three things each day that you’re thankful for. This simple practice can reframe your perspective and bring peace to your soul.
5. Listen to Uplifting Messages and Podcasts
Sometimes, we need a little reminder to stay grounded in God’s rest. This is why I’m so excited to share my latest podcast episode, where I dive deep into what it means to rest in Christ and why it’s so vital for our well-being. In this episode, we’ll explore practical ways to incorporate rest into our busy lives and discuss why letting go of busyness can actually strengthen our faith. Tune in and join me as we explore how to create a life that’s rooted in God’s peace.
Why Busyness Can Be a Spiritual Trap
It’s easy to equate busyness with productivity or even spiritual dedication. But constant busyness can actually be a trap that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence. When we’re always running from one task to the next, we miss the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. In Luke 10:38-42, we see the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha was “distracted by all the preparations,” Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him.
Jesus gently reminded Martha that “only one thing is needed,” and that Mary had chosen “what is better.” This story challenges us to reflect on our own priorities. Are we so caught up in the hustle that we’ve forgotten to sit at Jesus’ feet? Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is to rest, trusting that God values our being just as much as our doing.
Reclaiming Rest as a Gift from God
Rest is a gift, not a reward for finishing our to-do lists. When we rest in Christ, we acknowledge that our lives are in His hands, and we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We’re reminded that we’re loved unconditionally, no matter how much we accomplish or how busy we are.
For Christian women, reclaiming rest means finding a balance that honors both our responsibilities and our need for renewal. It’s about breaking free from the world’s hustle culture and stepping into the rhythm of grace that God has prepared for us. Remember, you are more than your tasks; you are a beloved daughter of God, deserving of His peace and presence.
Ready to Dive Deeper? Listen to My Podcast Episode on Rest
If this message about rest resonates with you, I’d love for you to check out my latest podcast episode, where we discuss the importance of rest in more detail. We’ll talk about practical ways to incorporate rest into your everyday routine, from setting boundaries to cultivating a Sabbath mindset. I share personal stories, Scripture insights, and encouragement to help you embrace rest as a powerful act of faith.
In a world that glorifies busyness, finding rest in Christ can be a radical, life-changing decision. It’s my hope that this episode will inspire you to prioritize rest, renew your spirit, and deepen your connection with God.
Resting in Christ is about more than taking a day off or scheduling “me time.” It’s a powerful, faith-driven decision to trust God’s care over every aspect of our lives. When we rest in Him, we’re saying, “Lord, I trust You with everything—my family, my work, my worries.” We let go of the need to do it all and embrace the peace that only He can give.
So, dear sister, take a deep breath and remember that rest is God’s gift to you. Make room for it, cherish it, and watch how it transforms your life. And don’t forget to listen to my podcast episode on rest—I’d love for you to join the conversation and find encouragement to live in God’s rhythm of grace.
