What does it mean to rest? 

Rest: to cease work or movement to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.

Do you know how everyone has a word? Like a word that they cling to, throughout life, sort of like a mantra. The word “rest” is my word. 

For several years this has been my word, and it is the reason my business is called “The Resting Nest”. To me the word “rest” holds a special place and God has continued to place this word on my heart year after year. For a while now I have been trying to figure out why this is… I believe I am starting to catch on to something. Hear me out. 

Rest, of course, can come physically. When our bodies lay down and recover from a full day’s work. As a momma, this rest is important and can re-energize us and do many important things for our overall health, mentally and physically. Physical rest is very important. As far as sleep (physical rest) goes, I’ve got that and now help other families do the same. This is a true passion of mine. I love helping families find that physical rest through sleep, but there is another part of rest that I am praying my clients ultimately find. Spiritual Rest. 

Spiritual rest? I know what it looks like to rest physically, but what does it look like to rest spiritually. I will pose another question, “If you aren’t spiritually rested, does that impact your physical rest?” I tend to believe it does. I went into this business knowing that I wanted to help families physically rest, but I also went into it knowing my life’s purpose lies in my desire to help people start seeking their spiritual rest. So I will go back to the first question, “What does it look like to spiritually rest?”.

Exodus 33:14 And He [God] said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

As humans, we tend to carry things we shouldn’t. We want to do things our way. Even as a believer, I go back and forth with God, wanting to take control of situations or plan out what will happen, but that’s not what God commands us to do. Naturally, we want to be anxious and worry (I know I do), but God tells us we do not have to do that. He says come to me and I will give you rest. Not physical rest, but spiritual rest. We can rest in Him because of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf.

Jesus. Dying on a cross. 

Because of that sacrifice, we don’t have to hold on to things that weigh us down. We can give up our troubles, and find rest for our souls in Jesus. You don’t have to carry all of the anxiety, guilt, worry, sadness, depression, addiction that keeps us from spiritually resting in the Heavenly Father. Rather give it to Him and find rest! 

I am preaching to myself when I say all of this. God had laid this heavily on my heart, and out of obedience I knew I had to share. I also know a lot of you are struggling to find rest, spiritually, physically, or maybe both. I am here to encourage you to continue your pursuit to find rest, spiritually and physically. To me, Spiritual rest is most important, because if you are not at rest spiritually, you will not be fully rested spiritually, no matter how much sleep you get.

Also know this, just because you’re not getting that physical rest doesn’t mean you can’t rest spiritually. God offers rest no matter your circumstances or your sleeping situation. Spiritual rest is always on the table with Jesus. Whether you co-sleep or sleep train, it’s something He always offers to us if we just stop and make room for God’s word and presence in our lives.

If you are wanting to take that step to find physical rest please reach out to me! We will make a plan, I will train you and then walk by your side the whole way through. Sign up for a free consultation today. I can’t wait to meet you!