Rest is a deeper concept than just physical rest; it involves both the body and the soul. Jesus, when speaking of rest, wasn’t just referring to physical exhaustion, as the disciples continued to work and serve. There are different types of rest—physical rest and the rest that comes to the soul.
Physical tiredness can coexist with a peaceful heart when the day aligns with God’s will, leaving me with a joyful kind of tiredness. But sometimes, there is another kind of tiredness, a heaviness in my soul, when I feel lost or distant from God. In these moments, I question where I am and whether I am following God’s will. That sense of restlessness can lead me to try and fill the void by staying busier, but it only increases my doubts and exhaustion.
When I take time to reflect and connect with God, I find true rest. I’ve realized that my soul’s tiredness often points to a desire for a deeper connection with Him. Instead of running from doubts, God wants me to bring them to Him and honestly seek peace. Over time, I’ve come to see that periods of reflection, such as sabbaticals for the soul, refresh me. These sabbaticals allow me to focus on my calling, revisit my vision, and better understand how God has created me.
In these times of rest, I’ve learned that walking with God isn’t just about the tasks I do, but about knowing Him and His desires for me. As I surrender to His guidance, I find the rest my soul craves. God is always with me, guiding me through each step, and helping me become the person He created me to be.
As you reflect on your own life, what experiences has God placed on your journey that have led you to where you are today?
