How Do We Find Rest?

Finding rest in today’s fast-paced world feels almost like an impossible task. With constant responsibilities, never-ending to-do lists, and the pressures of always being "on," it can feel like true rest is just out of reach. Yet, Scripture paints a different picture, one where rest isn’t just a suggestion but an integral part of God’s design for our lives. So how do we find this elusive rest? How do we escape the demands of life to experience the true rest that God offers us?

In our search for rest, it's easy to think of it only in physical terms—taking a break from work, getting enough sleep, or enjoying time off. But God's invitation to rest goes much deeper than simply relieving tired muscles or getting a few extra hours of sleep. Rest is about more than just our physical well-being; it touches the core of our spiritual lives.

The concept of Sabbath was established by God Himself as a rhythm of rest and worship. Genesis 2:2-3 shows that after creating the world, God rested on the seventh day. This wasn’t because He was tired, but to set a precedent for His creation: rest is sacred. It’s not something we do just because we’re exhausted; it’s something we do because it honors the natural rhythms of life that God has established. The Sabbath was made for us, a time to pause, to reconnect with God, and to remember that our value and identity are not rooted in our work or productivity.

When I think about finding rest, I reflect on how the idea of Sabbath isn't just an ancient practice but something that God intended to be woven into our lives today. Sabbath isn’t just about taking a day off work; it’s a reminder that God is in control. It's a time to stop, to breathe, and to acknowledge that, ultimately, the world doesn't depend on us—it depends on Him.

This truth brings me back to a personal practice that has helped me find rest in God's presence. One of the ways I regularly seek rest is by being out in God's creation. Going on walks at the park or simply spending time outdoors has become a rhythm that allows me to be active while refocusing on the Lord. Whether I’m praying, listening to worship music, or simply walking in silence, these moments draw me back to Him, clearing the distractions that often cloud my mind. There’s something profound about the simplicity of creation—no distractions, no rushing around—just me and God, and the stillness of nature. Even small things, like watching a sunset, remind me to slow down and appreciate where God has me in life. These quiet moments give me the space to reflect on God's faithfulness, especially when life gets overwhelming.

Just recently, I found myself looking back over the past few months—a time filled with challenges, personal struggles, and uncertainty. I was struck by how, even in the most difficult moments, God was holding my hand, guiding me through. It’s funny how, when things are going well, we can so easily forget to stop and rest in His presence. We become self-reliant, thinking we can manage everything on our own, when in reality, the rest we need is found only when we surrender to Him. Finding true rest is about more than just physical recovery; it’s about trusting God, acknowledging that we need His strength, His peace, and His provision in our lives.

This brings us to an important point: spiritual rest. In Hebrews 4:9-11, we are reminded that, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience." This passage speaks to the deeper rest that God offers—a rest that goes beyond a day off or a break from the demands of life. It’s a rest for our souls, where we can finally lay down the burdens we've been carrying and trust God fully.

But what does this look like practically? It starts with surrender—surrendering our need to always be in control, our need to perform, and our tendency to rely on our own strength. Spiritual rest comes when we recognize that our worth doesn’t come from what we do, but from who we are in Christ. It’s an invitation to stop striving, to cease from the hustle, and to trust that God is enough.

This kind of rest is more than just an occasional retreat from the chaos of life—it’s a posture of the heart. It's something we have to intentionally pursue. One way to do this is by creating space in our schedules for time with God. Maybe for you, that looks like taking a Sabbath day each week to disconnect from work and spend time in worship and reflection. Or maybe it’s finding moments throughout your day to pause and remind yourself of God’s presence, whether through prayer, scripture, or simply sitting in stillness before Him.

For me, those moments come on walks in the park or in the quiet of watching a sunset. It's in these simple, intentional moments that I rediscover the peace and rest that my soul longs for. As I reflect on God’s faithfulness, I’m reminded of how easy it is to forget to rest in His presence when life is smooth sailing. But it’s precisely in these times of ease that we must cultivate the habit of resting in God, so that when trials and struggles come, we’re already rooted in His peace.

Finding rest also means learning to trust God in the midst of uncertainty. We often try to control our circumstances or search for security in things that ultimately can’t provide lasting peace. Trusting God can sometimes feel like stepping into the unknown, like getting into a taxi with blacked-out windows. I mentioned this analogy in my last blog, but I just love it so much because I think it paints a great picture on the dependency we should have for God. In the analogy, you can’t see where you’re going, you hear unfamiliar noises outside, and everything within you wants to panic. But if you trust the driver—the one who sees the road ahead—you’ll realize that you’re being taken exactly where you need to go. In the same way, we may not always understand where God is leading us, but we can trust that He is in control and that He will get us where we need to be.

Ultimately, true rest comes from knowing that God is with us, no matter what we’re facing. It’s not about having all the answers or finding perfect circumstances. It’s about leaning into His presence, trusting Him to carry us through, and allowing ourselves to rest in the knowledge that we are loved, cared for, and held by the Creator of the universe. As Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This is the promise we hold on to—a rest that goes deeper than sleep, deeper than a day off, and deeper than anything the world can offer.

So how do we find rest? We find it in Him. We find it in the quiet moments, the surrendered prayers, and the trust that, no matter what life throws at us, God is faithful. True rest is found when we stop striving, stop trying to do it all on our own, and start trusting that the One who created us knows exactly what we need. Whether it's through the practice of Sabbath, a walk in the park, or a moment of stillness before God, we are invited to step into His rest and experience the peace that only He can provide.