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.