In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and be more, rest can feel like weakness. Many of us measure our worth by our activity and productivity. Yet, rest is not laziness, but part of His divine rhythm for our lives.
Most people know the importance of taking physical breaks. We stop when we are tired. We decide to go for walks when we have been sitting for long periods.
A lot of times, a break is forced upon us when we get sick or injured when we do not take the needed physical rests. In the same manner, when we do not intentionally rest our minds, we are at risk for mental fatigue or worse, illness.
Building a “Seventh Period” Rhythm
The principle of the sabbath year in Leviticus inspires us to build a rhythm of rest into our lives. For Israel, it was every seventh year. For us, it may mean weekly sabbaths, seasonal breaks, or intentional moments throughout the day.
Consider creating what I call a “seventh period calendar”—times set apart for renewal:
- Recharge Mentally: Step away from screens, social media, and constant information. Let your mind breathe.
- Recharge Physically: Exercise, sleep well, and allow your body to recover from strain.
- Recharge Spiritually: Spend time in prayer, worship, and reflection to align your heart with God.
These moments should not be too far apart.
Resist the temptation of always doing something.
I understand that life is not always easy. There is always something calling for our attention.
Sometimes we want to act now. Sometimes, we tend to react with full force, and intensity. We forget to breathe, we forget to take a step back to consider the wider picture because we feel a pull to respond immediately. Someone may say, ‘I just can’t sit and do nothing’. Sometimes, doing nothing in the moment maybe the wise action.
I am not against hard work, persistence and perseverance. I am not against fighting when the fight comes to us or even initiating one if necessary. Resilience is an admirable quality but it’s one only born from a strong positive and healthy mindset.
Trusting God in the Pause
One of the greatest barriers to rest is fear. We worry that if we slow down, things will fall apart—that opportunities will pass us by, or that we’ll lose progress. If you are anxious about what will happen when you pause, God’s promise is clear in Leviticus 25:20-22 NKJV: ‘And if you say, “What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?” Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years. And you shall sow in the eighth year and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat of the old harvest.’
When we trust Him enough to pause, He provides.
If the land is flooded or damaged, then it can’t be productive. The thing is: There is only one land, and that is you, your mind and body.
Rest in your time of rest and allow the supernatural to kick in for supply.
Anything you have been working so hard for, believe that this is the “seventh year” to take a break. It’s your time to chill and let God bring in harvest, and your expectations. Not only will He supply for the short term but also for the long term.
Speak that it’s your time for supernatural harvest, supernatural forgiveness of debts and loans. God is a God of Favour. He will cause glorious things to happen for you.
We are not called to work and not see the results. When we work, we see the fruits of our labour, and they are long lasting. Once we understand the mind of God, we will do better. God is a chill God.
Closing Reflection
There is a time for everything: Time to work hard and a time to rest hard. (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Rest is an idea and instruction from God. He did the same and encourages we do so for ourselves, resources and assets. The key is balance.
Rest is an act of surrender to God. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest. In resting, you make room for God’s supernatural provision and favor.
Relax, rest, chill. And always, maintain your faith in God.