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Rest Is Holy: Why God Calls Us to Slow Down

Rest Is Holy: Why God Calls Us to Slow Down

Last updated on: July 12, 2026 at 5:00 am by Michele Gunn

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Rest Is Holy: Why God Calls Us to Slow Down 2026-07-10T07:25:56-05:00 Michele Gunn

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Rest Is Holy: Why God Calls Us to Slow Down/created in Canva

For many people, summer often brings a different rhythm. As a person who likes to stay busy, I, along with many other people, struggle to rest without feeling guilty. Our culture often celebrates busyness making rest feel unproductive. But God in His Divine wisdom, designed rest as part of His plan for human flourishing. You do have permission to slow down and indulge in a little self-care. You have permission to rest.

God’s Design Includes Rest

God modeled rest in the Creation Story. Genesis 2:2-3 displays our first example of rest, “On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing; he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation.” The Sabbath was established as a gift, not a burden. Rest reminds us that we are human, made in the image of God, but not God.

God modeled rest because we needed it. We do not sustain the world, He does. If He chose a day of rest, we certainly need a day of rest. This time is to rejuvenate, re-energize and to appreciate all that is good. This Sabbath is the perfect time for gratitude. Just like God did, look around and see the good. Enjoy it.

Jesus Modeled Rest

God’s design includes rest, so of course Jesus modeled it. He frequently withdrew to pray. He stepped away from crowds and demands. He did this to both rest and to pray. He stayed connected to God, knowing this relationship gave him strength and fed His soul. Jesus modeled what God designed. He also taught it.

After the Apostles had been out working as Jesus instructed, they returned to report on all they had accomplished. Jesus recognized they needed rest as Mark 6:31 tells us, “He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.” This demonstrated His concern for His disciples’ wellbeing. Jesus saw their need for rest before they did. So, it makes sense that if Jesus needed quiet time, so do we.

The Difference Between Escaping and Resting

It is common in today’s busy world that people confuse escaping with resting. How many times have you taken a vacation and afterward thought you needed a vacation after your vacation? Sometimes the opposite happens. You may spend time just being inactive by indulging in extra sleep, just lounging around or engaging in mindless activity. Rest is more than inactivity. Also, escaping avoids reality while rest restores you to engage in reality.

How do you renew your soul? Here are some ideas to help you rest and renew:

Prayer

You may need to start with rote prayer to help you calm down, focus and center yourself. Once you have achieved that, try to engage in conversational prayer. With your eyes closed, picture Jesus sitting with you and have a conversation. Be open and ask for help where it is needed in your life. Share what you are grateful for. Feel how Jesus refreshes and empowers you.

Time in Nature

God created so many beautiful things. Not only are we meant to care for them, but we are meant to enjoy them. There are many different ways to enjoy nature. Simply, you can birdwatch at a feeder you have placed at your home. Similarly, you can spend time in a garden or flowerbed you have created. You can simply sit on your front porch or in your backyard and just enjoy. You can also visit a park, go for a walk or do some camping. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the beauty of nature that God created.

Reading Scripture

As always, the Bible is there for you. You can read Scripture in a quiet room. Since we have technology, Scripture is literally at your fingertips. You can choose a reading plan for a daily or weekly habit as well as using apps to give you prompts. One of my favorite ways to read Scripture is to take my Bible in my hand, say a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in my reading and prayer and then open my Bible without looking at it. I go to the passage I feel called to, read it, pray about it and take it in,

Meaningful Conversations

Having meaningful (not argumentative) conversations with people you are close to or admire is a great way to re-energize you. Choosing topics that do not seem to be related to daily life can offer fresh insights and a form of rest. Some ideas for discussion could be the relationship itself, your faith, your dreams, your goals and where you see yourself in 5-10 years. It can also be a conversation about the things and people you are grateful for and why.

Quiet Reflection

Quiet reflection can often bring rest, even if only for a few minutes. You can reflect on Scripture, something good that has happened or something good that will happen. We are often so busy living that we forget to enjoy the journey. Taking the time for quiet reflection can help to bring peace or to re-live and appreciate what is good.

Creating Sacred Pauses: A Key to Rest

Because life can be so crazy, you need to be intentional about rest. Creating sacred pauses can be just what you need. Here are some tips to intentionally create sacred pauses:

Start the day with God before the noise begins. Say a prayer or speak gratitude before your grand rising for the day.
Build moments of silence into the week. Set an alarm on your watch or your phone to remind you to take a moment of stillness and silence.
Give yourself permission to disconnect. If you need to plan for it. That way you already have a commitment to you and God. Put it on your calendar.
Practice gratitude and presence. Be intentionally grateful to others, yourself and to God. Speak it out loud. Be truly present for friends, family and co-workers. Put your work down, the chores aside and your phone down to just be.

Resting Thoughts

Remember that rest is not something you earn. It is a gift God lovingly provides to each and every one of us. There is so much available to you in this world, but sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is simply be still. In fact, for your health (mental, physical and spiritual) you need to take time to be still. Let’s pray together.

“Loving God, teach me to rest in Your presence. Help me release the pressure to constantly produce and instead trust that You are at work even when I am still. Amen.”

Catholic

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