Learning to Rest: Spiritually, Physically, and Fully in God

Chassidy
Oct 20
4 min read

Hey Y’all,

I’ve been in a season where God keeps whispering one word to me: rest. And if I’m being honest, that’s hard for me. I’m used to doing, serving, creating, and showing up for everyone. But recently, I caught myself doing what I always do, pouring into others nonstop and forgetting to pause. Somewhere in the middle of it all, God stopped me mid-stride and reminded me that rest isn’t optional; it’s sacred.

God’s been teaching me a lot about rest lately, both the kind that lets your body breathe and the kind that lets your soul exhale. He’s been reminding me that rest isn’t laziness—it’s trust. It’s saying, “God, I don’t have to hold everything together. You’ve got this.” For so long, I thought rest was something I could only take after I’d done enough. But lately, I’ve realized that rest isn’t a reward, it’s part of the rhythm of grace.

Spiritual Rest - “Sitting and Blinking” in His Presence

There’s a kind of rest that goes beyond sleep. It’s what I call spiritual rest, the kind that happens when you just bask in God’s presence. I think of it like a child crawling into their parent’s lap and falling asleep. The parent stays still, afraid to move because they don’t want to wake the child. That’s how God wants us to rest in Him—safe, unhurried, and completely at peace.

I call it “sitting and blinking.” Sometimes that literally means sitting and blinking at the wall, the TV, the sunset, or out in nature. Other times, it’s quiet self-care, a walk, journaling, or just taking a deep breath. Sitting and blinking isn’t about zoning out; it’s about being still, being present, and recognizing how faithful God has already been.

When I take those moments, I can feel Him reminding me that everything doesn’t have to be accomplished in my own strength. That He’s working even when I’m resting. That I don’t have to fill every moment with doing to prove my worth.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And James 4:8 takes it even deeper: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” That’s what spiritual rest really is, getting close enough to God to exhale. To rest in His presence and let Him do the heavy lifting while we simply abide.

That verse hits differently when you’ve been running on empty, when you realize you’ve been pouring into everyone else and forgetting to refill yourself.

Physical Rest - From Empty to Overflow

Rest doesn’t come naturally for me. I love helping, serving, and creating, but that same passion can leave me drained if I’m not careful. I’ve learned that when I neglect my own rest, I end up serving on E instead of from my overflow.

Lately, God’s been using my friends and community to remind me to slow down. They’ve been checking in on me, making sure I’m eating, sleeping, and taking time for myself. I’m so grateful for that, because sometimes you need people who will lovingly say, “Hey, breathe. You’re doing too much.”

Physical rest is holy too. It’s choosing to close the laptop, silence the notifications, and let your body reset. Resting physically gives your spirit room to hear God clearly again. It’s your way of saying, “Lord, I trust You enough to stop.”

Rest Includes Boundaries

One thing God’s been firm about in this season: rest requires boundaries. With others and with myself.

Sometimes I have to tell myself, “Chassidy, that’s enough for today. You’ve done what you can. Rest.” That’s a boundary. And sometimes, it means saying no to others, even to good things, because not every opportunity is God’s assignment.

And if I’m being honest, that part is especially hard for me. Everyone who knows me knows that I’m “the counselor.” I’m the one people come to for advice, prayer, or a listening ear. It’s part of my purpose, God made me to nurture, guide, and help others heal. But lately, He’s been teaching me that even purpose has boundaries.

There are moments where I have to say, “I can listen, but I can’t give advice right now.” Or sometimes, “I’m not in a season to lend an ear or carry someone else’s weight.” And that doesn’t make me less caring, it makes me healthy. It’s not rejection, it’s stewardship.

Because when you’re everyone’s counselor, it’s easy to pour until there’s nothing left. I’m learning that rest sometimes means stepping back, protecting my peace, and letting God handle what I can’t. That’s not me walking away from my calling, it’s me honoring it by keeping myself whole enough to keep showing up when He calls.

Boundaries protect your peace and your purpose. They’re not walls to keep people out; they’re gates that let peace in. Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to rest and pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed that quiet space, so do we.

The Gift of True Rest

In this season, Psalm 46:10 has been my reminder: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is nothing - just be still.

Rest is where God restores. It’s where He refills what’s been emptied by life, ministry, and relationships. It’s where we stop striving and start abiding.

So I’m learning to let Him hold me like that child in a parent’s lap, completely still, completely safe. To stop trying to earn peace and simply receive it. To let Him love me, heal me, and remind me that I don’t have to carry it all.

Call to Action: Rest Like You Trust Him

This week, I want to challenge you to find your version of “sitting and blinking.” Turn off the noise. Step away from the hustle. Let yourself be still in His presence.

Ask yourself: