As women, we often juggle multiple responsibilities—whether it’s managing a household, leading a team, or nurturing our personal lives. Amid these busy demands, it’s easy to forget that we need rest too. Rest is not a luxury; it’s essential for our health, productivity, and overall well-being. In fact, God designed us to rest.
In today’s world, where hustle and overwork are glorified, it’s vital to remember that taking time off is not only beneficial but necessary. Let’s explore how we can embrace rest by utilizing PTO, taking vacations, and, most importantly, turning to Scripture for guidance on God’s design for rest.
Why Rest Matters
God understood the importance of rest from the very beginning. After creating the world, He rested on the seventh day, showing us the value of taking time to recharge (Genesis 2:2-3). Rest isn’t just about physical relaxation—it’s about renewing our spirit, mind, and body.
Without rest, we risk burnout, stress, and anxiety, which can hinder our ability to serve and lead with joy. Taking breaks gives us the opportunity to refocus and return to our work with renewed energy, creativity, and passion. It also allows us to reconnect with God and gain fresh perspective.
Utilizing PTO and Vacation Time
Paid time off (PTO) is one of the benefits that many women often overlook. Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or running your own business, taking time off can be a game-changer. It’s easy to feel guilty for taking a break, especially when you’re passionate about your work, but remember that taking time for yourself is an act of self-care that will make you more effective in your work and relationships.
Tips for utilizing PTO and taking vacations:
- Plan Ahead: Mark off time for rest in advance. By scheduling PTO ahead of time, you ensure that you have a chance to recharge and can avoid overworking yourself.
- Disconnect Completely: Use your vacation to unplug from work—don’t check emails or bring work with you. Give yourself permission to fully rest.
- Embrace the Sabbath: Whether it’s a day, a weekend, or a week, take time to set aside your work and focus on God and your well-being.
Bible Verses About Rest
The Bible is full of verses that remind us of the importance of rest. Here are a few to reflect on when you’re considering taking time off:
- Genesis 2:2-3 – “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
- God set the example of rest and sanctified it. Rest is not just allowed, it is blessed.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
- Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, offering peace for our souls, which is something true rest can provide.
- Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
- God provides rest and restoration. We can trust that He will guide us to places of peace.
- Mark 6:31 – “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'”
- Jesus recognized the need for rest in His disciples and took time to step away for refreshment.
- Exodus 33:14 – “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'”
- God’s presence brings rest. Rest is not just physical but also a spiritual renewal.
Embracing Rest with Purpose
Rest doesn’t mean being idle; it means taking intentional time to rest in God’s presence, refresh your spirit, and renew your body for the work ahead. Whether it’s a short break or a long vacation, taking time off is a way to honor God’s rhythm of work and rest.
In a culture that often glorifies exhaustion, let’s choose to honor God’s design for rest. As women, we need rest not just for our physical health, but for our mental and spiritual well-being as well. By resting, we not only recharge ourselves but also acknowledge that God is in control of all that we do.