In a world obsessed with hustle and grind, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. But what if I told you that rest isn’t a luxury at all, it’s a necessity, a divine design, and a Kingdom assignment? Rest isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about restoration, realignment, and refueling your purpose. And if we’re serious about stepping into the women God has called us to be, we need to start treating rest like the essential work it is.
Let’s explore why resting well is Kingdom work and how you can intentionally plan rest into your life to live powerfully.
1. Rest is a Divine Design
From the very beginning, rest was part of God’s plan. In Genesis 2:2, we see that even after creating the entire universe, God rested on the seventh day. This wasn’t because He was tired, He’s God, after all but because He was modeling a rhythm for us to follow.
Rest reminds us that we are human, not machines. It’s a way of saying, “God, I trust You to handle what I can’t.” When we pause to rest, we’re practicing faith. We’re acknowledging that our worth isn’t tied to how much we accomplish but to who we are in Christ.
Key Thought: Rest is worship. It’s an act of surrender that says, “I believe God is in control, and I don’t have to strive endlessly to prove my worth.”
POWERFUL READ: Plan Your Powerful Mornings: How to Start Your Day Like a Queen
2. Burnout is Not Your Birthright
How often do we wear busyness as a badge of honor? Society glorifies the hustle, but the cost is high: mental exhaustion, physical breakdown, and spiritual disconnection. Burnout isn’t just harmful, it’s a barrier to hearing God’s voice and living out His purpose for your life.
Illustrative Story: I once spoke with a mompreneur who hadn’t taken a weekend off in months. She thought she was “being productive,” but her relationships and health were suffering. When she finally scheduled intentional rest, everything changed. She started hearing God more clearly, her business decisions improved, and her family thrived.
Rest is not laziness; it’s preparation. It’s what equips you to pour into others, make wise decisions, and fulfill your calling without losing yourself in the process.
Scripture Reminder: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28.
3. Rest is a Weapon Against Chaos
Rest isn’t just about recharging your energy; it’s about reclaiming your peace. When your life feels chaotic and overwhelming, rest is how you quiet the noise. It creates space for clarity, creativity, and connection with God.
Think about Jesus, He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest. If the Son of God needed time to recharge, how much more do we?
Practical Tip: Use your rest days to disconnect from distractions. Turn off your phone, spend time in nature, or journal your thoughts and prayers. Create an environment where rest feels sacred and restorative.
4. Plan Your Rest Like You Plan Your Goals
Here’s the thing: rest doesn’t just happen. If you don’t plan for it, something else will always take priority. Treat your rest like an unmissable appointment, block it out in your calendar, and honor it as non-negotiable.
How to Start Planning Rest:
- Schedule Weekly Rest: Dedicate a day or half-day each week to unplug and recharge. This could be a Sunday Sabbath or any day that works for you.
- Create Daily Micro-Rests: Even 10 minutes of intentional rest can make a difference. Use that time to breathe, pray, or simply sit in silence.
- Define What Rest Means for You: Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s reading a book; for others, it’s walking outside or spending time with family. Choose what refreshes you.
Illustrative Story: One Grateful Gains customer shared how she started using our planner to design her Sunday Sabbaths. By intentionally blocking out time to rest, she noticed a significant improvement in her energy, focus, and ability to handle the demands of the week.
Plan your rest and have a powerful year with our daily planner
5. Rest Fuels Your Kingdom Purpose
When you’re well-rested, you show up as the best version of yourself. You’re more patient with your kids, more present with your spouse, and more productive in your work. Rest allows you to pour from a full cup instead of running on empty.
But rest isn’t just about what it does for you, it’s about who you’re called to be for others. As Kingdom women, we’re called to reflect God’s peace, love, and strength. How can we do that if we’re constantly stressed and exhausted? Rest equips you to step into your role as a leader, nurturer, and light in the world.
Scripture Reminder: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10.
6. Rest is Counter-Cultural but Necessary
In a culture that praises overwork, choosing to rest is a bold act of resistance. It’s saying, “I don’t need to hustle to prove my worth. I’m already enough because of who God says I am.”
Rest redefines success. It’s not about how much you do but about how well you steward what God has given you.
Key Thought: Only the brave choose rest. It takes courage to step away from the noise and trust that God will handle the rest.
7. Practical Rest Rituals to Try This Week
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to make rest a regular part of your life:
- Evening Wind-Down: Light a candle, journal your thoughts, and reflect on what you’re grateful for.
- Digital Detox: Spend an hour without screens to clear your mind.
- Sabbath Routine: Dedicate one day a week to rest, worship, and family time.
- Active Rest: Engage in restorative activities like walking, stretching, or gardening.
- Faith-Based Rest: Spend time reading scripture, praying, or meditating on God’s promises.
8. Rest Isn’t Optional, It’s Your Responsibility
Here’s the truth: Resting well isn’t just about feeling better, it’s about showing up better. When you rest, you’re more equipped to handle the challenges of life, make wise decisions, and fulfill your God-given purpose.
So, let’s shift the narrative. Rest isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. It’s not lazy, it’s leadership. And it’s not optional, it’s essential.
What’s one small change you can make this week to prioritize rest? Share it in the comments, I’d love to hear how you’re planning your rest like the Kingdom work it is!
Ready to Plan Rest Into Your Life?
At Grateful Gains, we’re passionate about helping you live intentionally, with purpose, peace, and power. Our planners are designed to help you not just organize your life but prioritize what truly matters, including your rest.
Head to GratefulGains.com today and start planning rest like the Kingdom work it is.
Because when you rest well, you rise ready. Let’s make rest a priority, not an afterthought.
