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.
Putting aside all our work and worries on the Sabbath is such a blessing, our Creator knows what we need physically and spiritually that’s why he told us to remember it.
Thank you for your incredibly helpful post, Tania. Today was the first time I’ve read your Sunday post. I struggle with my spirituality. But today’s post touched me in a way I could not avoid — through an actual example of how I am connected to God. I am grateful.
Tammy, I am so glad you decided to read today’s post, and that it touched you. I struggle spiritually also, and I keep reminding myself that it is the devil causing the issues. I’m not perfect, but at least I’m trying.
Thank you, Tania! This has inspired me to give myself permission to rest, even if only a few hours on Sunday. You always inspire in your posts, but this was exceptional! Thank you!
Thank you for the post today, a very good reminder for me. It is hard for me to just to be still and rest.
Tania, in the past I have felt guilty for resting, As I get older, I’m 65, it is necessary. Listen to your body, relax to the point that your mind and soul are at rest. It takes practice. Enjoy your day resting and spending time with your daughter 💕
Thank you for this post. I missed church today and was feeling bad. I had worked so hard this week and feeling exhausted to the bone. I was still searching for that belonging that I get from going to church, and your blog hit the spot. I’m terrible at self-care, and I have double the stress on me right now. Thank you for this lovely reminder. Bless you, and have a wonderful week to come.
I’m terrible at self care also, and will sit and work until I find it hard to stand up. But, one day of rest will help a lot, and I’m going to try and stick with this new schedule.
Thank you for this reminder Tania! Like you, it is very challenging for me to really rest. And like you, I am going to make a more concerted effort to rest every Sabbath.
Tania, Your message hit home for me and a lot of women. So many times I hear myself grumbling under my breath, that my life at 73 feels like a job more than it did when I was younger, working and had children at home. Somehow, in between grumbles I always seem to thank God that I am still healthy and able to do what I feel needs to be done. We all need to take quiet time for ourselves.
I love a massage!
Yesterday I received counseling from a devout Priest “Do nothing that interrupts your conversation with God” Today sitting on my patio with the Blue Jays & Turkeys in the North Carolina Mts I’m listening to my Creator
I’ve noticed that every time I sit down to do a Bible study, or listen to a sermon, the interruptions start. I usually smile, take care of the interruption, and then tell satan that his tactics didn’t work while I go back to my time with the Lord.