God’s Healing Rest

Our lives can be downright crazy at times. Schedules fill our heads while stress and anxiety often fill our hearts. We’re exhausted. Depleted.

Many of us are tired beyond what a good night’s sleep could ever fix.

Even if we followed all the experts’ advice about taking care of our bodies, we’d still be soul weary—mentally and emotionally exhausted. It’s something that impacts every part of our lives and can drag us down beyond our ability to cope.

So, what can we do about our exhaustion? How do we find rest?

The ultimate promise of rest for believers is found in the assurance of salvation and eternal life. These things are not earned through personal efforts but received as a gift of grace. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Romans 3:24 NLT). This promise calls us to rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

In a world filled with challenges, anxieties, and burdens, believers can find solace in God’s promise of rest. Jesus invites His followers to let Him take on their worries, promising to provide comfort and peace amid life’s trials:

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28–29 NLT).

Our souls don’t get enough rest because of our drive-thru church mentality. God promises us rest and healing, but we must be still long enough to receive it. By purposefully quieting our bodies and our minds, we’ll be able to focus on God’s promises for rest and restoration. As the psalmist reminds us:

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10).

The concept of a Sabbath rest is not new. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to observe a day of rest as a sign of their covenant relationship with Him (Exodus 20:8–11). For believers, it represents a time of spiritual renewal and reconnection with God. It involves setting aside dedicated time for worship, prayer, studying Scripture, and being refreshed in the presence of God. This regular practice allows Christians to experience a deeper relationship with the Lord and find spiritual rest in Him.

How can you build a time to be still in your schedule? Meditate on these verses as you ask God to refresh your soul this month.

Week One — But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Week Two — The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name (Psalm 23:1-3 NLT).

Week Three — In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8 ESV).

Week Four —Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass (Psalm 37:7).