Are you tired and stressed from your busy and hectic life? Do you often feel like there’s too much to do and never enough time?
Indeed, we are a generation of busy people; we’re working hard but hardly living.
To be sure, there is a time to work. But there is also a time to cease from our labor. Yet, some people can’t seem to slow down the insane pace of their lives. They feel guilty when they rest. They sense the impending disapproval of others if things aren’t perfect.
Isn’t there a better way to find a better life?
Yes.
Absolutely.
It begins with acknowledging the false beliefs that keep us stuck on a hamster wheel of perpetual motion.
Here’s what I’ve learned. By addressing the lies we believe and replacing them with God’s truth and physical rest, things can begin to change.
Right thoughts lead to right actions—and a better, healthier way of living.
Here are five lies we tell ourselves about getting the rest we need:
1) LIE: I can do everything, and do it all on my own. This is the person who believes she has to make it all happen. It’s the lie of “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” Some may call her a martyr; others may call her a control freak. Either way, she believes she must save the world.
2) LIE: I feel guilty when I rest. I used to think rest was a luxury for a privileged few. It was a time in my life when I was short on funds and working three jobs just to stay afloat. Then learned that rest was God’s idea! (Genesis 2:1-3) Even he rested from creating the world.
3) LIE: I don’t deserve to rest. Rest is a gift. You don’t earn it. Plus, you were never meant to do life all on your own, or carry the weight of the world like boulders in a backpack. To rest is to trust God. When you release your worries to God, you’re saying that you trust He will take care of it.
4) LIE: Rest is a waste of time. In reality, taking time to renew your weary self is time well spent. It’s an investment that will pay off physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally because you will be a better you—for others and for yourself. Stopping periodically to get refreshed ultimately helps you get the job done more effectively.
5) LIE: If I rest, I won’t get it all done. That goes back to the fundamental question of whose agenda you are following. A major heart shift happens when we begin to realize that life is about God’s plan, not ours. We live for God, not for ourselves. He will empower you to get done what He wants accomplished each day. Our job is to be surrendered and willing to follow.
In a culture that praises busyness and devalues silence and reflection, we need to remember that rest brings margin to life. It creates essential spaces that allow us to replenish and restore beauty and balance.
Without rest, life is an endless cycle of work, chores, and errands. And that’s not what God intended. Rest, connection, fun, and play are essential parts of life, too.
Your days may be full, but your heart doesn’t have to be empty.
Think about how you can get refueled in your life. Pray about it. Ask God to help you find margin in your life. Ask others for help. Learn to delegate. Live by your priorities not just by the urgency of the chaos around you.
Remember, you don’t have to be a “Junior Jesus.” We already have a Savior of the world. And he is just a prayer away to help you.
As you connect with God and allow Him to work through you, you’ll begin to release worry, fear and stress and begin to enjoy the freedom and peace that are yours through God’s power at work in you.
Bottom line: When you’re well-rested, you are better equipped to serve God and others, and truly enjoy your life.
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