Wisdom in Resting

Syreeta Lacey

Aug 31

3 min read

Society has created a culture where busyness is glamorized and rest is demonized. Have you ever heard people say " I will sleep when I'm dead "? Or "Rest is for the weak" ? These two statements have poisoned the minds of many, causing them to be distracted by assignments and projects that were not assigned by God.

Busyness does not equal achievement, nor does it signify you have it all together. What it does is cause you to neglect resting your soul (mind, will, & emotions) and body. We can easily become overwhelmed, overworked, and unfulfilled; never accepting the need for rest and recovery. But what happens when the winds of life come to blow through your agenda? What do you do when the Lord allows for things to decrease; when the to-do list abruptly stops, when the distractions are yanked from your very hands? Will you look for something else to place in your hands or will you allow the Teacher of life to show you how to truly rest in him. Rest is not only a physically necessity, it is also a spiritual one.

In Matthew 11:28-30, we get a glimpse of true rest. It's not taking a long nap or laying on a beach watching the waves ebb and flow. It's simply this:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion (ritualistic behavior/agendas)? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll RECOVER your life. I’ll show you how to take a real REST. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the UNFORCED rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Jesus is simply saying, stop doing the most and sit at his feet. You'll learn how to move through life with grace and in his will. Rest in who he is, and not in what you do.

Remember sis, God does not determine our hearts intentions by our performance, he bases it on our swift obedience.

Here are 3 practical steps to true rest and recovery:

1. Prioritize your time with God. Don't squeeze him into your schedule. Invite God in as soon as you wake up. Intentionally place him on your schedule and spend time in his presence. Prayer. Patience. Purpose.

2.Create BOUNDARIES for different areas of your life or groups of people ( work, family, friends, etc). Make a realistic list of how much time, information, and attention you can give to each. Don't let areas overlap in your day.

3. Trust God with your day-to-day tasks. Allow him to place tasks and people in your hands, not the other way around. When we give God full permission to have his way, he graciously gives us his burden which is easy, and his yoke which is light. No heavy loads, just grace.

Rest is received to a teachable (humble) heart, rest is not received when pride leads the way. If rest is not received, recovery will not exist.

Sis, be less like Martha, and more like Mary. He's waiting for you to slow down and listen.

Luke 10:38-40 A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen."

God bless you sis!

Abide & Bloom women's conference is approaching soon! We are looking forward to God's presence to meet his daughters hearts. Grab your bestie and get your tickets today! We can't wait to see you!

Will we see you at Abide & Bloom 2026?