Finding Rest in a Busy World: Discovering True Rest in God

Finding Rest in a Busy World

Have you ever found yourself caught in the trap of busyness? The never-ending to-do lists, the constant demands on your time and energy, and the feeling of being overwhelmed? I have. And in my experience, it is not a pleasant place to be.

As a self-proclaimed achiever, I have always been driven to accomplish things. I thrive on setting goals, working hard, and seeing results. But somewhere along the way, I lost sight of the importance of rest.

The Temptation to Stay Busy

In our fast-paced, success-driven society, there is a constant pressure to keep moving, keep achieving, and keep hustling. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we need to do more, be more, and have more in order to be truly happy and fulfilled.

But as I discovered, this relentless pursuit of productivity and success can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. The more I tried to do, the more exhausted and overwhelmed I felt. I was constantly striving, but never finding true rest.

The Fear of Rest

Why is it so difficult for us to rest? I believe part of the problem is our fear of slowing down. We are afraid that if we take a break, we will fall behind, miss out on opportunities, or be seen as lazy or unproductive.

But the truth is, rest is not a sign of weakness or laziness. It is a gift from God, and an essential part of our well-being. In fact, God Himself set the example of rest when He created the world. After six days of work, He rested on the seventh day and declared it holy (Genesis 2:2-3).

The Importance of Sabbath

One of the ways God has provided for our rest is through the institution of the Sabbath. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to set aside one day a week as a day of rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11).

The Sabbath was not just a day off from work, but a day set apart for God. It was a time to cease from our labors and focus on Him. It was a day to remember and celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness.

Unfortunately, in our modern culture, the Sabbath has become a thing of the past. We have replaced it with endless activities, commitments, and distractions. We have forgotten the importance of setting aside time to rest, reflect, and worship.

The Restlessness of the Soul

When we neglect the Sabbath, we not only deprive ourselves of physical rest, but also spiritual rest. Our souls long for connection with God, and without regular times of rest and reflection, we can become spiritually restless.

Jesus recognized the restlessness of the human soul and offered a solution. In Matthew 11:28-30, He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. He offers a different kind of rest, a rest that is not dependent on our circumstances or achievements, but on our relationship with Him.

Finding Rest in God

If we want to find true rest in our busy world, we need to turn to God. As Psalm 62:1-2 says, "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

When we find our rest in God, we no longer have to rely on our own efforts and achievements to find fulfillment. We can trust in His provision, His timing, and His plan for our lives. We can let go of our need to control everything and simply rest in His presence.

But finding rest in God is not always easy. It requires us to let go of our fears, our worries, and our need for control. It requires us to trust that God is in control and that He will take care of us.

The Danger of Busyness

Busyness is a dangerous trap that can keep us from finding true rest in God. When we are constantly on the go, we leave little time and energy for God. We become so consumed with our own plans and activities that we forget to seek His guidance and presence.

In Psalm 46:10, God says, "Be still, and know that I am God." This verse reminds us of the importance of slowing down, being still, and acknowledging God's sovereignty. It is in the stillness that we can hear His voice, receive His peace, and find rest for our weary souls.

Practical Steps towards Rest

If you find yourself caught in the trap of busyness, here are some practical steps you can take to find rest in God:

1. Schedule regular times of rest and reflection. Set aside specific times each day or week to be still, pray, and meditate on God's Word.


2. Learn to say no. It's okay to decline invitations and prioritize rest and time with God.


3. Delegate tasks and ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it.


4. Unplug from technology. Take breaks from screens and social media to create space for quiet and solitude.


5. Practice self-care. Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Remember, finding rest in God is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It requires intentionality, discipline, and a willingness to let go of control. But the rewards are worth it.

The Promise of Rest

As we strive to find rest in God, we can hold on to the promise found in Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

When we find our hope and rest in God, He renews our strength and gives us the ability to keep going, even in the midst of a busy and demanding world. He empowers us to run the race set before us without growing weary, and to walk in His purposes without fainting.

The Invitation to Rest

So, I invite you to join me in finding rest in God. Let's set aside our fears, our worries, and our need for control, and trust in His provision and timing. Let's make room for Him in our busy lives and allow Him to be our source of rest and strength.

As we do, we will discover a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment that can only come from resting in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.