Entering Into God’s Rest: Embracing His Peace and Presence
As women, we are often juggling multiple roles, responsibilities, and emotions. We might feel like we’re running on empty, constantly striving to meet the demands of our lives. But God invites us to a different way of living—one that is grounded in His peace, filled with His rest, and rooted in a deep, intimate relationship with Him. The good news is that we don’t have to keep striving to earn God’s love or approval. He offers us rest—a rest that renews our hearts and strengthens our spirits.
What Is God's Rest?
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers us this beautiful invitation:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This rest is not just physical rest, though that’s part of it. It is a rest for your soul—your emotions, your mind, and your spirit. It’s a rest that comes when we stop trying to carry the weight of life on our own and instead let God carry us.
Too often, we carry burdens of anxiety, worry, and fear. We stress about our future, our relationships, and our purpose. But Jesus is calling us to lay down these burdens and exchange them for His. His rest is not just about taking a nap; it’s about entering into His peace and knowing, deep in our hearts, that He is in control and that His love for us is enough.
Why We Struggle to Rest
You might be thinking, “That sounds beautiful, but I find it hard to truly rest. There’s always something to do, always something on my mind.” It’s true—life is busy, and the pressures we face are real. However, there’s a deeper truth we must hold onto: our rest doesn’t depend on our circumstances. It depends on the God who is faithful to provide it.
In Hebrews 4:9-10, the writer says, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His."
This rest isn’t something we have to work for. It’s a gift, a promise from God that we can enter into if we trust Him. The key is trusting that He is enough and that we don’t have to strive to earn His favor. In the same way God rested on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2), He invites us to rest in Him—allowing His grace to cover us, His love to sustain us, and His presence to refresh us.
Living in God's Rest
Living in God’s rest doesn’t mean being lazy or inactive—it means learning to live from a place of peace rather than striving. It means choosing trust over worry, peace over anxiety, and faith over fear. It means we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Prince of Peace, rather than on the storm around us.
In Isaiah 26:3, God promises:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
When we trust God with our hearts, minds, and lives, we experience His peace in a way that transcends our circumstances. Resting in God is about surrendering control to Him and trusting that He will guide us through every situation.
A Prayer for Rest
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today, weary and burdened by the weight of this world. I thank You for Your beautiful invitation to come to You for rest. I choose today to lay down my worries, fears, and anxieties. I choose to trust You, to believe that You are in control and that Your love is enough.
Please fill my heart with Your peace and help me to live in Your rest. Teach me how to trust You with every area of my life. Help me to let go of the need to control and to rest in Your perfect will.
Thank You for Your grace that strengthens me. Thank You for Your presence that renews me. I surrender all to You today and receive Your rest.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activation: Finding Rest in God’s Presence
Take a Moment to Pause – Set aside 3-5 minutes to be still before the Lord. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, take a couple of deep breaths and simply focus on His presence. Let go of all distractions and allow yourself to fully rest in Him. Sink deeper into God’s presence as your body relaxes and your mind lets any distracting thought float away like a balloon. Take another deep breath and as you inhale breath in God’s love and as you exhale, smile. Enjoy this peaceful moment of rest in the secret place. Repeat throughout your day wherever you are, whenever you can and note the difference as you begin living from this place of rest.
Closing Thoughts
My dear sister in Christ, I know that life can be overwhelming at times. But remember, God has called you to rest in Him. He does not ask you to strive or to carry your burdens alone. He offers His peace, His grace, and His rest. When we surrender to Him, we find a deeper intimacy and trust that strengthens us in every season.
As you walk in His rest today, remember that He is faithful to meet you in your weariness and to renew your strength. Let His love wrap around you like a warm blanket, and rest in the knowledge that He holds your future in His hands.
You are loved, and you are at rest in Him.
With love and encouragement,
