Rest Isn’t Weakness—It’s a Declaration of Trust in God.

In a culture that constantly rewards hustle and glorifies exhaustion, choosing rest can feel counterintuitive—almost rebellious. But as believers, we’re not called to conform to the patterns of the world. We’re called to live differently, and that includes the way we embrace rest.

Biblically speaking, rest isn’t optional—it’s sacred.

When we rest, we aren't just taking a break—we're demonstrating our trust in a sovereign God who never sleeps, never slumbers, and never stops working on our behalf. Let’s dive into how rest becomes a powerful form of worship and a vital part of living a Kingdom-focused life.

The Biblical Importance of Rest

1. Rest Reflects God’s Rhythm: In Genesis 2:2-3, we read: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy...”

Rest was the final act of creation. Not because God was tired, but because He was setting a pattern for us—a rhythm of work and worship. If the Creator of the universe chose to rest, what makes us think we can or should go without it?

2. Rest Restores Our Soul: Psalm 23:1-3 says, “The Lord is my shepherd... He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”

This kind of rest is not just physical—it’s spiritual. It’s the kind of soul-deep restoration we can only find in God's presence.

3. Rest Is an Act of Faith: Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...”

Rest requires trust. Trust that God will carry what we’ve laid down. That He will sustain what we stop striving to control. That He will continue moving, even when we pause.

Rest in the Real World: From Hustle to Holy

Steven Pastrana, founder of The Kingdom Investor, recently shared a timely reminder on his Instagram:

He continued,

“We must stop glorifying burnout and start embracing the biblical model of rest. It’s not just for your body, it’s for your mind, your family, your leadership, and your calling. Rest gives room for revelation. I’ve learned that the greatest breakthroughs often come after I’ve surrendered my busyness and allowed God to minister to me in the quiet.” - Steven

That’s what this newsletter is about—realigning ourselves with God's rhythm so we don’t miss His voice in the noise of constant doing.

Practical Ways to Embrace Rest as Worship

Here’s how to intentionally build a lifestyle of rest that renews, restores, and refocuses your heart on God:

1. Honor the Sabbath

Choose a day each week to unplug from work. Worship. Reflect. Spend time with loved ones. Your Sabbath should feel sacred and restorative. Not like another to-do list.

💡 Try this: Spend one Sunday afternoon each week journaling what God did during the past week. You'll begin to see patterns of grace.

2. Establish Daily Moments of Stillness

Start and end each day with 10-15 minutes of Scripture, prayer, or worship music. Let these moments be spiritual resets that center your heart.

💡 Remember: Rest doesn’t require hours of free time—it requires intention.

3. Say No (So You Can Say Yes to God)

Every “yes” to something unaligned with your purpose is a “no” to something God may have for you. Saying no creates margin—and margin creates peace.

💡 Ask yourself: “Is this adding value to my calling or draining me from it?”

4. Use Rest to Recharge, Not Just Recover

Don’t just crash into rest—prepare for it. Let rest be a proactive spiritual discipline, not just a response to burnout.

💡 Plan rest like you plan meetings. God deserves a place on your calendar.

A Real-Life Example: From Burnout to Breakthrough

Laura, a full-time nurse, mother, and ministry leader, felt spiritually empty. The demands on her time were relentless. But after reading Matthew 11:28, she decided to intentionally implement a weekly Sabbath.

“I felt guilty at first,” she says. “But then I realized rest was the most faith-filled thing I could do. It said, ‘God, I trust You more than my effort.’”

Today, Laura's spiritual life is thriving. Her peace is deeper, her leadership more effective—and her family feels the difference.

Reflection Questions

• What’s one area in your life where you’ve resisted rest out of fear of falling behind?

• When was the last time you paused just to sit in God’s presence without a to-do list?

• How might your life, business, or family look different if you committed to true rest?

Kingdom Challenge This Week

Set aside one day this week as a true Sabbath. Turn off your work devices. Spend intentional time with God, with family, or in nature. Journal how it made you feel and ask God what He wants to show you in the stillness.

Want to explore more about how rest strengthens your leadership, faith, and calling?

👉 Read this powerful reflection from Steven Pastrana on Instagram about embracing God’s rhythm and releasing the pressure of hustle culture.

Let it remind you that rest is more than a pause—it’s a path to deeper intimacy with God.

Have a blessed week!

All the best,

The Kingdom Investor

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