how to rest in a world that glorifies hustle culture.
For most of my life, I struggled with resting. Constantly, running through my head were the words, “If you’re not working, you’re doing nothing.” These words felt heavy, yet so believable.
So if I was spending time with a friend, I was “doing nothing.” If I was reading a book for enjoyment, I was “doing nothing.” If I was pursuing a hobby, I was “doing nothing.” I measured days by how productive I was. If I felt like any time was wasted, I’d feel like a failure.
This mindset took a toll on my physical, mental, and spiritual health. Thankfully, through answered prayers and good community, I’ve overcome the need to constantly be accomplishing something significant. Now, I’ve learned that sometimes resting is the most productive thing we can do. Plus, it’s something that God designed us to do!
Even God Himself, the Creator of the universe, rested. Genesis 2:2-3 says, “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” So if God rested, what makes us think that we don’t need rest?
God’s call for us to rest is laid out for us clearly in the story of Mary and Martha in the book of Luke.
Luke 10:38-42 says this:
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Do you ever feel like Martha? I certainly do. Jesus claimed that Mary was doing the right thing by sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to him. Martha was so distracted by her work and preparations that she was missing Jesus. Sometimes, we get so caught up in perpetual busyness that we miss what really matters. While it’s important for us to steward our gifts and resources well, it’s equally important to rest.
If you struggle to create margin in your life, be encouraged by these three truths:
1. You don’t need to compare yourself to others. Do you ever use the lives of others to see if you’re measuring up? Here’s the good news: the beautiful story that God is writing in your life isn’t identical to anyone else’s. Read my blog post all about overcoming comparison.
2. Your identity isn’t in your achievements or productivity. The world tells us that worth is defined by what we achieve, how much money we make, how productive we are, how famous we are, and how much influence we have. And yet, our identities are already secure in Jesus—not our achievements. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” In 1 Peter 2:9, Paul the Apostle says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
3. God is a faithful provider, and Scripture is filled with God’s promises to take care of our needs. Matthew 6:30-33 says, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things saying “What will we eat? What will we drink What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek first the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Here are four practical ways to begin implementing rest into your life:
Instead of only setting goals in the area of life where you tend to overwork, set goals in other areas of life. Invest in the hobbies that you love doing and that bring you joy and fulfillment. Here are some reflection prompts to start with.
Spend time with the people you love.
When you feel overwhelmed by tasks, ask for help. Reach out to a friend, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, pastor, parent, or mentor.
Remind yourself that you don’t have to compare your accomplishments or productivity to others. Read my blog post all about overcoming comparison.
Remember, rest is something God designed us to do. Your worth is not in your productivity, because your worth is already secure in Christ.
