How to Actually Rest Without Running Away to a Convent

As Christian entrepreneurs, we are often caught in the trap of believing that the busier we are, the holier we are. But what if the constant grind, the endless to-do lists, and the exhaustion we feel aren’t the path to success or spiritual fulfillment? What if, instead, rest was a vital part of our walk with God? In this post, I’ll be diving deep into how to truly rest without feeling guilty and why this concept is so crucial for our well-being and our purpose.

Rest is Resistance: Choosing to Slow Down in a Hustle Culture

Our culture reveres productivity, hustle, and non-stop action. We’re encouraged to "go, go, go" without ever hitting the pause button. The message is clear: if you're not constantly moving, you’re not doing enough. But what if this mindset is not only unhealthy but unbiblical? In fact, when we look to scripture, we see that God encourages rest—because He knows it’s essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Rest is actually resistance to the world’s standards. In choosing to rest, we are making a conscious decision to counter the hustle culture that pressures us to be constantly "on." It’s an act of faith and obedience that says, “I trust God enough to stop, to rest, and to recharge.” This is not about being lazy or avoiding responsibility; it’s about honoring the rhythms of life that God has established, which include times of work and times of rest.

Jesus Rested—and So Should You!

We often think of Jesus as this powerhouse of action—healing the sick, teaching crowds, performing miracles—but even He knew the importance of rest. The Bible tells us that Jesus "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). He didn’t just rest after the work was done; He made rest a regular part of His routine. He didn’t rush from one task to the next without stopping to be still and connect with His Father.

This is the example we need to follow. Jesus didn't avoid rest or consider it a waste of time; He saw it as necessary for His ministry and spiritual health. If He needed rest, how much more do we, with all the demands of life and business, need to step back and pause?

Rest is Not Weakness—It’s Worship and Wisdom

In the Christian faith, we often equate rest with weakness, as if it’s something we do only when we’re physically broken down. But rest, when done intentionally and with a heart for God, is actually an act of worship. It’s acknowledging that we are human and finite, and that we cannot do it all on our own. Resting is a form of surrender. It says, “God, I trust You with my work, my ministry, and my life. I know that when I pause, You are still working.”

Rest also brings clarity. When we take time to rest, we can hear God more clearly. Stillness creates space for His voice to speak into our lives, helping us refocus on what truly matters. We become more aligned with His will and more effective in everything we do because we are operating from a place of peace and restoration, not burnout and exhaustion.

Setting Boundaries: Rest is Wisdom, Not Selfishness

Many of us feel guilty about setting boundaries because we fear we’ll be seen as selfish or lazy. But setting boundaries—whether that’s saying "no" to unnecessary commitments, limiting time on screens, or simply taking a day off—shows wisdom. It’s about stewardship of the energy God has given us. If we don’t prioritize rest, we’ll eventually run out of the strength, focus, and creativity needed to fulfill our calling.

Establishing healthy boundaries helps us safeguard our mental health, protects our relationships, and allows us to stay fully present with God and others. Saying no is not a reflection of laziness; it’s a reflection of wisdom and faithfulness. It’s acknowledging that God has set us on a specific path, and in order to walk that path well, we need time to recharge.

Stillness Brings Clarity

When we constantly push forward without taking time to pause, we lose the clarity that is so necessary to fulfilling our God-given calling. God speaks to us in the stillness, not just in our busy moments. Psalm 23:2-3 beautifully reminds us: “He makes me lie down in green pastures… He restores my soul.” When we stop long enough to rest, we make room for God to restore us. It’s in these quiet moments that He speaks the clearest.

If we want to move forward with clarity and purpose, we need to embrace rest as part of our process. It’s not a luxury or an afterthought—it’s a necessary practice that keeps our hearts, minds, and spirits aligned with God’s will.

Rest is a Weapon: Fighting Burnout with Intentional Pause

Rest isn’t just about replenishing our energy; it’s about fighting burnout. When we rest, we regain spiritual authority and strength. We are able to go into the next season of work, ministry, or life with a renewed sense of purpose and focus. Rest is a weapon that gives us the fortitude to handle challenges with grace, resilience, and clarity.

FAQs:

Q1: How can I start incorporating rest into my busy life?
Start small—carve out intentional moments of rest throughout your day. Take breaks, prioritize prayer, and set boundaries that allow you to slow down. Rest doesn’t always mean a long vacation; sometimes it’s as simple as taking a walk or a few minutes of quiet time with God.

Q2: What if I feel guilty about resting?
Remember that rest is a biblical principle, and even Jesus took time to rest. Guilt comes from our own perceptions and not from God’s call on our lives to rest. Trust that taking time to pause is an act of worship and obedience to God’s design for our lives.

Q3: How do I know if I’m truly resting or just avoiding work?
True rest leads to renewal, not avoidance. If after resting you feel recharged and focused, then it was a beneficial break. If you’re using rest to escape out of fear or procrastination, it might be worth exploring what’s causing you to avoid your responsibilities.

Rest is a powerful tool in God’s kingdom.

It’s time to redefine rest in our lives. It’s not a luxury; it’s a spiritual discipline that brings us closer to God, restores our energy, and gives us the clarity we need to fulfill our calling. You don’t have to run away to a convent or take an extreme break to rest well. You just need to embrace God’s rhythm of work and rest, allowing both to flow in balance. When you make rest a priority, you’ll find that everything else in life—your work, your relationships, your ministry—will begin to flourish as a result.

It’s your permission slip to slow down, recharge, and hear His voice. Don’t be afraid to take that pause—you’re not losing time; you’re investing in your purpose.