Rest, Refresh, Recover

Woman resting

The demands of our daily lives, the constant responsibilities, the endless decisions, the cares we carry in our hearts, often leave us feeling fragmented and depleted. When we finally slow down, we tend to think of rest only as sleep, but true rest is so much more.

The ancient definition of rest holds a powerful three-fold promise: to cease work, to refresh oneself, and to recover strength. This is the deep, holistic renewal that God desires for us, a complete restoration of mind, body, and spirit.

This profound renewal happens when we intentionally tap into the different dimensions of rest available to us. When we choose to cease striving, we open ourselves to the refresh and recovery that allows us to live fully and peacefully in His presence.

True recovery from the cares of life requires a mindful approach, addressing exhaustion not just in our bodies, but in our minds, emotions, and spirits:

Dimension	Description	How It Refreshes & Recovers
Physical Rest	Ceasing activity through restorative sleep, deliberate stillness, or gentle, mindful movement like stretching.	It allows our bodies to repair tissues, lower stress hormones, and fully recover from the day's physical demands.
Mental Rest	Quieting the noise and constant consumption of information, freeing the mind from decision fatigue and problem-solving.	It refreshes our clarity and focus, allowing our thoughts to slow down so we can hear the gentle voice of God above the internal clutter.
Emotional Rest	Taking a break from performing or managing the feelings of others, allowing ourselves to be truly seen and accepted without judgment.	It recovers our capacity for genuine connection and empathy, ensuring we are not constantly giving from an empty emotional well.
Spiritual Rest	Ceasing the work of trying to earn God's love or prove our worth, and simply dwelling in His unchanging presence.	It restores our sense of identity and purpose, anchoring us in the unwavering truth of God’s love and faithfulness.

Resting in the Shepherd’s Care

We do not have to generate this rest on our own strength; it is a profound gift extended to us by a faithful God. Psalm 23 beautifully illustrates how our Shepherd, the Lord, is our ultimate source of holistic recovery:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul...” (Psalm 23:1-3)

Notice the beautiful action words here: He makes me lie down... He leads me... He restores. God doesn't just suggest rest; He actively provides the environment and the invitation for it. He lovingly leads us to places of nourishment and peace, dwelling with us in that stillness. When we are exhausted, we can fully trust that He is the one tending to the recovery of our soul, dwelling with us right in the quiet waters.

Practical Ways to Rest and Extend

This season, be intentional about accepting the gift of rest in your daily life, and find ways to share that peace with others:

1. Establish a Daily "Digital Pause" (Mental & Spiritual Rest)

Before you start or end your day, create a short 10-minute boundary where all digital noise is muted. Use this time not to do anything, but simply to be. Consciously meditate on a simple phrase like, "God is my peace," or whisper a prayer of gratitude. This simple act recovers your focus and reminds your spirit that God is present before the world rushes in.

2. Honor Your Needs with a Sacred "No" (Emotional Rest)

Be aware of the requests and expectations that drain you emotionally. If saying yes to a commitment will lead to anxiety, irritability, or emotional fatigue, extend grace to yourself by offering a gentle, sacred no. Setting a conscious boundary is an act of stewardship over the emotional energy God has given you, ensuring you have the capacity to give genuinely to the things that matter most.

3. Extend Rest Through Intentional Compassion (Physical & Social Rest)

When we are rested, we are able to see the struggles around us with greater clarity and grace. The busyness of this season can be crushing for those facing job loss, food insecurity, or immigration fears. By slowing down, we can intentionally extend rest outward:

• Offer a simple, listening presence to someone carrying a heavy burden (Emotional rest for them).

• Use your recovered strength to prepare a meal for a neighbor or volunteer at a local pantry (Physical rest for them).

When we slow down enough to notice and meet the needs of others, we participate in God’s restorative rhythm, allowing our own well-being to extend into the community. Our quiet stillness becomes a gift of peace to a hurried world.

I pray that rest finds you daily as you seek it lovingly and intentionally.