I am fully convinced that there will never be a time in our lives when our to-do lists are fully complete.
Unread emails, ever-expanding project lists, overflowing laundry hampers, and dirty dishes piled high are just a few of the things on our never-ending list.
I check off five things and feel productive and fruitful, only to open my emails and add ten more things to my list.
There is always something popping up, distracting me, and making me lose focus. Sometimes, this even means losing focus on what matters most. And it can be so frustrating in the moment.
No matter how disappointed we may feel when our list never shrinks, it is imperative that we intentionally find rest amongst the chaos.
God models this rest for us throughout creation and through Jesus’ ministry. Jesus even encourages us in Matthew 11:28 (NIV): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
But here’s the thing: rest doesn’t come after the list is complete. If we wait for that, we’ll be waiting forever. Instead, God designed rest as a rhythm that happens in the middle of our unfinished work.
The very first Sabbath in Genesis was not about God being exhausted—He wasn’t—but about Him setting a holy pattern: pausing to delight, to reflect, and to declare “enough” even when there would always be more that could be done.
When we honor Sabbath, we’re practicing trust. We’re acknowledging that God is the one holding it all together, not us. We’re saying, “Lord, I don’t have to strive endlessly, because You are Lord over my time, my home, my work, and my heart.” Choosing to rest before the list is done is an act of surrender and faith, believing that God will provide, even when we step back.
God modeling Sabbath rest for us and Jesus inviting us into that rest gives us the permission we long for to stop striving and receive soul-deep care that can only come from trusting and surrendering to Him.
Mom’s Permission to Pause and Rest
When we try to plow through without pausing to rest and recuperate, we are effectively telling God that the push is the only way instead of trusting in Him as “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Whether you’re a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, a dog mom, or not a mom at all, let this word encourage you today to trust God to carry you through, especially when you give honor and glory to Him by pausing and participating in Sabbath rest.
Five Practical Ways to Pause and Rest
1. Breathe Before You Begin
Before diving into emails, chores, or errands, pause for sixty seconds. Take deep breaths and whisper a short prayer: “Lord, I rest in You.” This anchors your day in His presence.
2. Protect One Sacred Hour
Choose one hour each week (Sunday afternoon, Saturday morning, or whenever works best) to unplug from chores and devices. Use that time to read, pray, nap, or simply be still. Guard it as you would any important appointment.
3. Step Outside
Creation itself reminds us of God’s rhythms. Step outside for a short walk, sit on the porch with your coffee, or look up at the sky. A few minutes of stillness outdoors can refresh your mind and soul.
4. Practice “Ceasing”
Pick one household task you often push yourself to finish (laundry, dishes, or meal prep), and decide to leave it unfinished for the day. Use that time instead to rest, reminding yourself that God is holding it all together.
5. Create a Mini-Sabbath Ritual
Light a candle, open your Bible, or play worship music at the end of your day as a reminder that rest is not wasted time. It’s holy time. Small rituals signal to your heart that it’s okay to slow down.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Friend, the pause is not laziness. It’s obedience. It’s a holy declaration that your worth isn’t tied to productivity, but to the God who calls you beloved and gives you rest.
You don’t need to earn Sabbath; it’s already been given to you as a gift. And when you receive it, you’ll discover that even in seasons of chaos, grief, or endless to-dos, God’s rest renews both your body and your spirit.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to begin trading chaos for clarity, I’d love to gift you my Mama’s Chaos to Clarity Guide. It’s a simple, faith-filled resource to help you declutter your mind, refocus on what matters most, and begin building rhythms that honor both your well-being and your walk with God.
Leave a Reply