Rest During the Holidays – 3 Minute Read

It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Psalm 127:2

The lie of anxiety is that something “out there” will give us the calm we crave. So we
push ourselves, keep searching, try harder. Have you noticed this feeling during the
holidays, especially? I have.

But this one phrase in Psalm 127:2 changes everything: “For God gives rest.” This kind
of rest isn’t about a lack of physical activity. God encourages us to enjoy his good gifts,
be productive, and take steps of obedience. Instead, this is about resting from anxiety-
based striving that exhausts us and leaves us feeling empty.

Anxiety tells us having inner peace is about what we can get. The truth is, inner peace
is something only God can give. What our souls truly need can’t be bought or built;
it can only be bestowed on us by a good God who invites us into grace.

God, give me the wisdom to know when anxiety is pushing me. Pull me back into your
love and grace. You are the source of meaning in my life. You are the one who calms
my heart and gives me rest. Amen.

How can you make moments of rest, especially from anxiety, during the holiday
season? Are you making sure to spend quiet time with God each morning to set
yourself up well for the day?

If you liked this post, check out Prayers for Peace of Mind by Holley Gerth. We love how beautifully designed this collection of over 100 prayers is, and how much relief they bring to moments of anxiety and overwhelm.

Holley Gerth loves humans, words, and good coffee. She’s a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, master life coach, and cohost of the More than Small Talk podcast. Her background also includes being a counselor and cofounding one of the first online communities for Christian women. Holley is passionate about helping people embrace who they are and become all they’re created to be. You can connect with her and find more resources at HolleyGerth.com.