Making Space for Rest

Do the phrases, “Hurry, we have to be there in five minutes” or “We have way too many things to do and not enough time to do them” sound familiar? It can often seem like we are rushing from one thing to the next, living in a state of hurry and exhaustion, with no plan for rest. 

“Plan for rest?” you might ask. Yes! Rest does not happen by accident; we need to intentionally plan for it, just like we plan for meetings, mealtimes, and more. Because rest is an integral part of a spiritually disciplined life, we can seek ways to incorporate it in our lives. 

Rest—What’s That Again? 

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, rest can sometimes feel too indulgent, like something we do not have time for or something we do not deserve. However, rest is a gift. In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.” Jesus was telling His followers that rest is a gift, not a burden or a luxury. Finding time to rest and connect with God is significant. As we implement the discipline of rest, we can trust that God will continue to do the work He has called us to because He is ultimately in control.  

Rest Is the Real MVP 

Stress has physical implications on our bodies, minds, and souls. We were not made to be constantly on the go. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” It can be tempting to busy ourselves leading, planning, and doing things in ministry. However, slowing down and spending dedicated time resting helps us reset our minds, renew our bodies, and restore our souls.  

Make Rest a Plan, Not a Backup 

Planning times of rest must be intentional and prioritized. For those in ministry, Sunday may not be a feasible rest day. In fact, you might not be able to reserve an entire day for rest in this season. No matter what your schedule looks like, challenge yourself to put time on your calendar to rest. Turn off notifications, open God’s Word, go on a walk and spend time in prayer, or find time to worship. Whatever you do to rest, intentionally plan it, and use this time to connect with God to renew your mind, body, and soul.  

Planning for rest is a way to honor God. It points to the fact that we cannot do things on our own and must rely on God for strength. Psalm 62:5 says, “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.” God deeply loves us and wants us to enjoy His presence as we rest in Him. As you prepare for the Christmas season, set aside time for intentional rest. Even when your schedules are busy and your to-do lists are growing, trust that God will bless your times of rest. 

Rachel Riquelme is the Preschool Content Editor and Resource Specialist for Lifeway’s NextGen resource Hyfi. With an MA in Discipleship and a ThM, she has a passion for building resilient disciples who have strong faith to last a lifetime. She has spent the last 15 years in Kids, Preschool, and Family Ministry and lives in Murray, KY. Rachel loves reading, biking, and spending time with her husband and two elementary-aged sons.