How to Let God Work While You Rest
Curious how to let God work while you rest? Uncover the surprising perks of Sabbath rest to conquer overwhelm in this eye-opening read.
Every seasoned parent and childcare worker knows that moment when a toddler needs a nap. That kid is having a great time but then, with no provocation, begins whining and getting unreasonable before falling onto the floor. Once the kid crosses the line over to cranky, there is no such thing as a rational conversation. The only solution is rest.
The Only Solution Is Rest
We may have jobs, driver’s licenses, and homes, but we aren’t much different from toddlers.
Like a car’s gas tank gets empty, our energy level diminishes throughout the day. Instead of taking ourselves to rest or to bed, we do the opposite. We keep pushing to the next task or obligation. Rest is essential, but too many other urgent matters require our attention. “Running on empty” becomes the vibe of our life. We just keep going and going.
If you cock your head and listen carefully, you’ll likely hear God whispering: Stop. Sit. Rest.
God knows that you aren’t lazy. He sees you doing the best that you can.
We ghost our body’s requests for a break because we believe it’s more noble to push ourselves for the sake of our families or to work for a better future. Humanity’s collective toxic trait is the belief that recovery after exhaustion is better than resting to prevent exhaustion.
God disagrees.
The Practice of Sabbath
The spiritual practice of Sabbath is learning how to stop living in constant motion so we can see where God is moving on our behalf. The bottom line for this spiritual practice is that we are blessed when we rest.
In a world where we judge our worth by our productivity, Sabbath, a word that means “cessation,” is a reminder that we are God’s creation. He understands our limited human capacity. Resting is a tool that God has designed to bless you in every area of your life. Sabbath rest isn’t a multilevel marketing opportunity in which millions participate but only a few reach the top level. God created Sabbath, and everyone who engages in it experiences God’s best blessings.
Maybe you’re thinking, But what will happen to my life if I pause for Sabbath?
It might seem like full-on irresponsibility to stop spinning your plates for a day, but wearing yourself out day after day isn’t smart either. If you want to win the battle of overwhelm, Sabbath is a key weapon. I appreciate the wisdom of Rebekah Lyons: “We cannot run if we cannot rest.”
There are four blessings that you experience through the spiritual practice of Sabbath:
1. The blessing of allowing your body to replenish its resources instead of draining them.
2. The blessing of letting your mind rest. Since there is less doing and problem- solving, this should result in fewer perceived threats and fewer triggers for any fight or- flight responses.
3. The blessing of investing in relationships that are often neglected because of exhaustion, hurry, and stress.
4. The blessing of undoing wrong beliefs attached to using work to prove our worthiness or fears associated with questioning God’s provision.
These four truths regarding the spiritual practice of Sabbath are helpful for you to know and hopefully will challenge you to incorporate rest into the weekly rhythm of your life.
Reflection:
How have you been resting lately and practicing Sabbath? How can you begin to incorporate Sabbath into your life?
If you liked this post, check out Stronger Than Stress: 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm by Barb Roose. Everyone experiences seasons of stress, but you are not condemned to a lifetime of anxiety. Learn the four main stress triggers, discover exercises to help interrupt your fight-or-flight response, and study the apostle Paul’s life to understand how to find your strength in God.
Barb Roose is an established author, a speaker at national women’s conferences, and a regular contributor to (in)courage, Crosswalk, and iBelieve. She has written five Bible studies and four books and is the host of the Better Together podcast. Barb serves as a teaching pastor at her home church with over 6,000 in weekly attendance. The proud mother of three adult kids, Barb loves reading and walking. Whenever possible, she prefers to eat dessert first.
