The Discipline of Rest

Rest goes against everything in us that says we must keep producing, keep achieving, keep working to prove our worth. But rest is a spiritual discipline, not a weakness. It's a declaration that the world doesn't depend on your constant effort, that God can handle things while you stop. This is why rest is so hard for driven men: it requires trust.

The concept of sabbath isn't just an ancient rule. It's wisdom about how humans are designed. We need regular rhythms of rest to function well, and we need to trust that rest won't cause everything to fall apart.

Why Men Struggle with Rest

• Identity in productivity: We feel valuable when we're producing
• Control: Resting means trusting others or God with outcomes
• Guilt: There's always more that could be done
• Fear: What if we fall behind while resting?
• Addiction to busyness: Constant activity avoids inner stillness

If you can't rest, it's usually because you don't trust. Trust that the world won't fall apart. Trust that your worth isn't in your output. Trust that God can handle what you can't.

What Real Rest Looks Like

Physical: Sleep, leisure, recreation, stopping work.

Mental: Disengaging from problems, not planning or strategizing.

Spiritual: Trusting God with outcomes, releasing control.

Relational: Unhurried time with people you love.

Building Rest into Life

Weekly rhythm: At least one day where work stops.

Daily rhythm: Time for quiet, reflection, and presence.

Seasonal rhythm: Vacations and breaks that are truly restful.

Boundaries: Clear lines where work ends and rest begins.

Your Action Steps

This week: Evaluate your current rest. How much true rest do you get?

This month: Establish one regular rhythm of rest. Protect it.

This quarter: Practice rest as trust: when anxiety about stopping rises, recognize it as a trust issue.