Read:
Have you ever walked a dog—or seen a dog walked—that wasn’t used to being on a leash? They tug, and they gnaw, and they strain away from where their handler is trying to take them. The handler isn’t restricting them. In fact, they’re usually trying to keep the dog out of harm’s way.
Like dogs, culture has trained us to view rest a certain way. You earn it, but only after you’ve “hustled” or “grinded” hard enough. You don’t get to take a little break here and there. You only get to collapse into rest like a runner collapses after finishing a marathon. It’s an absolute last resort when you can’t possibly go on anymore. And all too soon, you have to stumble back up and get right back to it.
Deep down, we know this mindset isn’t healthy. And yet, while God leads us toward peace and rest, we tug on our leashes, distracted by the noise of our hurried, burned-out society.
Here’s what God thinks about rest: you don’t earn it. You require it. That’s why verse 2 says he lets us rest, that he leads us beside peaceful streams. God wants rest to be part of your rhythm, and he gives you permission to take it.
And here’s the best part: when you rest daily with God, you step out of it truly refreshed and restored.
Reflect: What has my attitude been about rest? Have I been reluctant to take it because of the pressure I feel? When can I take time to slow down and just walk with God today?