Daily Devotions

Psalm 62:1, as translated in The Inclusive Bible, offers a profound invitation to rest:

“In God alone my soul finds rest, for my deliverance comes from God, who alone is my rock, my salvation, my fortress: I will never be shaken.”

This verse reminds us that true rest—deep, sustaining rest—is not found in sleep, entertainment, or escape, but in God alone. He is our source of safety, stability, and salvation.

In The Art of Rest: Faith to Hit Pause in a World That Never Stops, Adam Mabry reflects on this same truth with clarity and wit:

“Our bodies get tired, so we sleep. If I refuse sleep on the basis that I need to train for a marathon, I will fail to run a marathon, because my body needs rest in order to train. So why would we think it should be all that different with our souls? When our souls are tired, why wouldn’t we rest? Jesus seems to have made a habit of this. Are we a bit more spiritually fit than the Lord?”

It's a striking question. Even Jesus, the Son of God, took time to rest—to withdraw, to be quiet, to pray. So why do we so often resist doing the same?

There is, of course, a kind of tiredness that’s healthy—a good weariness. It's the feeling after meaningful work, joyful service, or honest labour. You may be physically tired, but inwardly content.

But then there’s soul-weariness—a draining, hollow tiredness. This is the weariness that saps our joy, dulls our hope, and steals our peace. It's the exhaustion that comes not from activity, but from spiritual depletion. When we’re constantly striving, constantly battling, constantly pouring out without being filled, we end up spiritually burnt out. And in that place, we risk settling for a life far smaller than the one God intends for us.

That’s why Psalm 62 doesn’t just invite us to rest—it commands us to root that rest in God:

“My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (Psalm 62:7)

It’s a declaration of dependence and trust: that God alone can hold our weariness, steady our souls, and restore our strength.

A Prayer for Rest and Renewal:

Eternal God,
the refuge and help of all your children,
we praise you for all you have given us,
for all you have done for us,
for all that you are to us.

In our weakness, you are strength;
in our darkness, you are light;
in our sorrow, you are comfort and peace.

We cannot number your blessings,
we cannot declare your love.
But for all your goodness, we bless you.

Teach us to live in your presence,
to love what you love,
and to serve you with joy and faithfulness
in the dailiness of our lives.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.