Rest – God’s Gift for Renewal

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Let’s be honest:

We don’t always rest well.

We may slow down for a moment, but mentally, we’re still going.

We may pause our work, but we’re still planning the next thing.

We may sit still, but our hearts are anxious.

But rest isn’t just a physical need — it’s a spiritual rhythm.

And it’s not something we earn — it’s a gift from a loving God.

Rest matters. Rest is not laziness. It’s not weakness. And it’s not a reward for finishing your to-do list.

Rest is trust.

It says, “God, I believe you can take care of everything—even while I pause.”

Read & Journal:

• “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

• “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” — Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

• “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night… for God gives rest to his loved ones.” — Psalm 127:2 (NLT)

Rest is holy.

It’s where we stop striving and start receiving.

Rhythm Shifts: Practicing Rest in a Restless World

Here are three gentle ways to build a lifestyle of rest that refreshes your soul:

1. Sabbath Is Still for Today

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” — Exodus 20:8 (NIV)

Set aside one day (or even a few hours) each week to pause, delight, and reconnect with God. No emails. No errands. Just rest and restoration. Let it be holy, not hurried.

2. Unplug to Unwind

“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Create regular screen-free time to quiet your soul. Step outside. Breathe deep. Journal. Sit in silence. When the noise fades, God’s voice becomes clearer.

3. Let Rest Be a Daily Rhythm, Not Just a Weekend Reward

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” — Psalm 23:2–3 (NIV)

Instead of waiting until burnout to rest, weave rest into your daily life.

Take a walk. Stretch. Take a nap. Even 10–15 minutes of intentional rest can reset your heart and refocus your mind.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of rest. Forgive me when I’ve treated it like a luxury instead of a necessity. Help me trust you enough to stop striving. Teach me to slow down, breathe deep, and make space for renewal. Let my rest be holy and my soul be refreshed. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Rest is a form of worship. It declares that God is in control and that your value doesn’t come from doing — it comes from being His.

Take some time today to rest without guilt. Lay it down. Shut it off. Let Him restore you.

Because rest isn’t just a break from work — it’s a bridge to renewal.

Let’s go live, love, and lead well—together. 🥳💛

Now, pause... What is God saying to you? Grab your Live Love Lead Journal to write down what He speaks to you and track your spiritual growth. You can get your copy by CLICKING HERE.

As you are on your faith journey, I would love to connect more. If you want to further connect or if you’re looking for more inspiration and practical tips on living a Christ-centered life with purpose, head over to the Live Love Lead Community for regular updates and encouragement. Let’s journey together in faith and resilience.

I love you with the love of Christ! ~ April Nicole Scipio 💛