Why Resting Your Mind and Body is an Act of Faith

In a world that celebrates hustle and productivity, rest often feels countercultural. Many of us push ourselves to exhaustion, believing that our worth is tied to how much we accomplish. Yet, God calls us to rest—not as an afterthought, but as an essential act of trust and faith. Rest is woven into the fabric of creation, modeled by God Himself, and commanded for our good. When we rest, we acknowledge that He is in control, not us.

Here, we explore why rest reflects trust in God and how it aligns with His design for our lives.

Rest Is God’s Design

From the very beginning, rest was part of God’s plan. In Genesis 2:2-3, we read, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 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, who is all-powerful and doesn’t grow weary, didn’t need to rest—He chose to. His rest wasn’t about recuperation but about celebration and completion.

By resting, God set an example for us. The Sabbath was later given as a commandment to His people, not as a burden but as a gift. Exodus 20:8-10 reminds us, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God." This rhythm of work and rest reflects His desire for us to live balanced, trusting lives.

Are you following the rhythm God designed, or are you pushing against it? Taking time to rest is not laziness; it’s obedience to the One who knows what we need.

Rest Declares God’s Sovereignty

When we rest, we declare that God is sovereign. We admit that we are not in control and that our efforts, while important, are not what ultimately sustain us. Psalm 127:1-2 captures this truth beautifully: "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves."

Resting requires faith. It’s an act of surrender, a way of saying, “God, I trust You to take care of what I cannot.” Consider the Israelites in the wilderness. When God provided manna, He instructed them to gather only what they needed for the day, with a double portion on the sixth day so they could rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:23-26). Those who tried to hoard the manna found it spoiled, a clear reminder that God’s provision is daily and sufficient.

What are the “manna moments” in your life where God is asking you to trust Him? Resting in His provision allows us to experience His faithfulness firsthand.

Jesus’ Example of Rest

Jesus, during His earthly ministry, modeled the importance of rest. Despite His demanding schedule and the constant needs of those around Him, He prioritized time away with the Father. Mark 6:31 recounts a moment when Jesus said to His disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Even the Savior of the world took time to step away and recharge.

One of the most poignant examples of Jesus resting in trust is found in Mark 4:35-41. In the middle of a storm, while the disciples panicked, Jesus slept peacefully in the boat. When they woke Him, afraid for their lives, He calmed the storm and asked, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Jesus’ rest wasn’t ignorance; it was confidence in His Father’s sovereignty.

How often do we panic in life’s storms, forgetting that the One who calms the seas is with us? Choosing to rest, even in uncertainty, is a way of aligning our hearts with Jesus’ example of faith.

The Renewal Found in Rest

Rest isn’t just about ceasing work; it’s about renewal. Isaiah 40:29-31 promises, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." When we rest, we make space for God to renew our bodies, minds, and spirits.

The renewal found in rest often comes through intentional practices. Time spent in prayer, reading Scripture, or simply enjoying God’s creation can refresh our souls in ways that productivity never can. Think of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10:38-42, choosing His presence over busyness. Jesus commended her, saying, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Are you creating space for renewal in your life? Rest is an invitation to lay down the burdens we carry and let God fill us with His peace and strength.

Overcoming Barriers to Rest

Despite its importance, rest is often one of the hardest things for us to embrace. Fear, pride, and a culture of busyness can all create barriers to the rest God calls us to. We may fear falling behind, worry about what others will think, or struggle to trust that God can handle things without us.

To overcome these barriers, start by identifying the beliefs that keep you from resting. Are you equating your worth with your productivity? Are you afraid to relinquish control? Bring these fears to God in prayer, asking Him to help you trust His promises.

Matthew 11:28-30 offers Jesus’ invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Rest is not just a command; it’s a gift freely offered by a loving Savior.

Practical Ways to Embrace Rest

Rest looks different for everyone, but here are some practical ways to incorporate it into your life:

1. Set Aside a Sabbath: Dedicate one day a week to rest and worship. Use this time to focus on God and enjoy His blessings without the distractions of work.
   
   

2. Unplug from Technology: Disconnecting from screens and notifications can help quiet your mind and create space for reflection and prayer.
   
   

3. Spend Time in Nature: God’s creation has a unique way of restoring our spirits. Take a walk, sit by a river, or simply enjoy the beauty around you.
   
   

4. Practice Stillness: Carve out moments of silence in your day to sit in God’s presence. Even five minutes of stillness can be transformative.
   
   

5. Pray and Meditate on Scripture: Use your rest time to draw closer to God through His Word. Verses like Psalm 23:1-3 can remind you of His care and provision.

A Prayer for Rest

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of rest. Teach me to trust You enough to pause and lay down my striving. Help me to see rest not as a weakness but as a reflection of faith in Your sovereignty. Renew my heart, mind, and body as I seek Your presence. Thank You for being the source of true peace and restoration. Amen.

Trusting God Through Rest

Resting is more than just taking a break; it’s an act of faith. When we rest, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, align with His design for our lives, and allow Him to renew us. In a world that prizes busyness, choosing rest is a radical declaration of trust in the One who holds all things together.

As you seek to embrace rest, remember that it’s not about perfection or rules. It’s about drawing closer to God, trusting His provision, and finding joy in His presence. Rest is His gift to you—will you receive it?