Rest and Recuperation
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
We live in a world that prizes productivity, speed, and busyness. Even in the church, we can fall into the trap of equating constant activity with faithfulness. But Jesus invites us into a different rhythm—one of rest, not just once a week, but as a regular way of being.
This is not laziness or avoidance—it is holy recuperation. Rest is part of the created order: God Himself rested on the seventh day. Jesus, too, frequently withdrew to quiet places to pray and recharge. If the Son of God needed rest, how much more do we?
Rest allows our souls to breathe. It helps us to reconnect—not only with God, but with ourselves and with others. It creates space for healing, clarity, and renewed strength.
One pastor put it this way: “If you don’t take a Sabbath, a Sabbath will take you.”
Whether your rest looks like a long walk, a quiet prayer, an afternoon nap, or a deep conversation with a trusted friend—receive it as a gift, not a guilt. You were never meant to run on empty. God does not love you more for being constantly busy. He simply loves you.
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you truly rested—body, mind, and soul?
What would it take today to stop, breathe, and receive the rest God longs to give you?
A Prayer:
Lord of Sabbath,
I lay down my burdens today—
The tasks I haven’t finished,
The people I feel I must please,
The weight I carry in my body and soul.
Remind me that I am more than what I do.
In Your stillness, restore me.
Teach me to rest not only from my work,
but in Your presence.
Amen.
A Closing Thought:
“Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.” — Rev. Eugene Peterson
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