Finding God in the Pause: The Sacred Gift of Rest

Rest is so much more than just collapsing into bed at the end of a long day. It’s essential for every part of us—body, mind, and soul. But let’s be honest, how often do we actually make time for it? Life has a way of piling up, doesn’t it? Responsibilities, deadlines, and even good things like family or ministry can weigh us down until we feel completely spent. That’s exactly where I was just a few weeks ago—exhausted and overwhelmed. Thankfully, I had a clergy prayer retreat planned at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The retreat focused on the book Praying with the Desert Mothers by Mary Foreman, and their wisdom hit me right where I was.

The Desert Mothers were early Christian women who retreated to the wilderness, not to run away from life, but to seek God in the quiet. Amma Syncletica, one of the desert mothers, taught that our struggles can refine us, drawing us closer to God. That truth spoke directly to me. I realized how much of my struggle came from constantly pushing forward without stopping to let God carry the load. Even Jesus took time to withdraw and pray (Luke 5:16). If He, the Son of God, needed rest, what makes me think I can power through without it?

One of the biggest takeaways from the retreat was the beauty of silence. Have you ever noticed how noisy life gets? Even when things are “quiet,” there’s always a phone buzzing, a to-do list running in your head, or some form of distraction. The Desert Mothers saw silence not as emptiness but as space for God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s in that stillness that we find clarity. I sat in the abbey’s chapel one evening, just soaking in the silence, and for the first time in a long while, my mind wasn’t racing. That peace reminded me why rest matters so much—it’s not just a break; it’s an invitation to meet with God.

Now, I’m back at my house in North Mississippi, working on it during this vacation. I’ll admit, rest looks a little different when you’re tackling drywall and paint, but the lessons from the retreat are staying with me. Amma Theodora, another desert mother, talked about the importance of humility and patience. That hit home for me because I tend to tie my worth to what I accomplish. But God doesn’t measure us by how much we get done in a day. He cares about our hearts, and He calls us to rest in Him. Matthew 11:28-30 has always been one of my favorite passages: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That kind of rest isn’t just physical—it’s handing over our worries and trusting Him to carry them.

Even as I’m pulling up carpet and taking down popcorn ceilings, I’m learning to find a rhythm that allows both work and rest. There’s joy in the work, especially when I take time to appreciate the progress. But I’ve also learned to pause, to step back, and to give thanks for the moment. Rest isn’t something we earn after we’ve done enough; it’s something we’re given to sustain us. Neglecting it not only wears us out but robs us of the ability to see God’s grace in our daily lives.

The Desert Mothers taught that rest is a spiritual discipline. That might sound strange, but it’s true. Choosing to rest—really rest—is an act of faith. It’s saying, “God, I trust You enough to stop.” Whether it’s sitting in silence, praying, or simply taking a deep breath in the middle of a busy day, rest reminds us that we’re not in this alone. So, wherever you are, whether you’re in the middle of a big project or just trying to keep up with life, take time to pause. Let God refresh you. You’ll be amazed at what He can do when you let Him carry the weight.