Author: Rev. Dr. Kahla
Anchor
Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus’ invitation is clear and simple. When life feels heavy, He offers rest. Yet many of us struggle to accept this gift. We push ourselves beyond our limits, often believing that rest is a sign of weakness or laziness. But in reality, rest is a spiritual principle and a necessary part of living in peace.
For years, I found it challenging to rest. As a veteran, a single parent, and a woman who wore many hats, I was conditioned to push through exhaustion. I thought resting meant I was falling behind or letting someone down. Even when my body begged for rest, my mind told me to keep going. The pressure was real, and the guilt was louder. But then I began to understand that rest was not optional—it was God’s idea from the very beginning. He created the Sabbath, not because He was tired, but to teach us the value of stopping, breathing, and remembering who He is.
Rest became a revelation for me. It was not just physical sleep, but a deep renewal that came when I trusted God with the things I could not control. I realized that every time I paused, I was declaring that God is in charge, not me. Learning to rest without guilt gave me the strength to keep serving, keep parenting, and keep thriving. It was one of the keys to unlocking my peace under pressure.
Rest is part of the P.E.A.C.E. Path™ because continuous energy requires intentional renewal. Just like a soldier cannot stay in battle without rotating out for recovery, or like a parent who cannot pour into something endlessly without replenishment. None of us can give what we do not have. God never designed us to live in a cycle of constant doing. He created us to live in His rhythm of work and rest.
Think about it
- Rest is not laziness, it is obedience. When we rest, we honor God’s design for our lives.
- True rest goes beyond sleep. It includes spiritual renewal, mental peace, and emotional release.
- Rest strengthens us to handle pressure with grace instead of breaking under its weight.
New Knowledge
Rest has a profound impact on both our spiritual and physical well-being. Public health studies show that lack of rest leads to increased anxiety, weakened immunity, and chronic stress. Spiritually, the absence of rest can lead to stress/anxiety, discouragement, and even a disconnection from God. But when we permit ourselves to rest, we align with God’s wisdom and allow our bodies and souls to reset.
The challenge we face regarding our peace is often related to guilt. Many of us feel guilty taking time for ourselves because we are used to carrying others, meeting deadlines, or living at a pace set by the world around us. However, here’s the truth, when we rest, we are better able to care for others, meet our goals, and hear from God more clearly. The P.E.A.C.E. Path™ helps us remember that rest is not selfish, it is necessary. It teaches us that continuous energy is not about running nonstop but about replenishing consistently.
And while this principle began with my personal journey and doctoral focus on veteran women, it has expanded to everyone. Anxiety and exhaustion do not discriminate. Parents, leaders, students, educators, counselors, caregivers, and everybody not mentioned here need to learn how to rest without guilt. Peace under pressure is possible when we allow God to restore us daily and weekly through intentional rest.
Take Action
This week, choose one area where you can intentionally rest. Maybe it’s setting aside 20 minutes each day for prayerful stillness. Maybe it’s creating a bedtime routine that helps you sleep better. Maybe it’s unplugging from your phone for a few hours to simply breathe. Rest can look different for each person, but the key is to make it intentional and guilt-free.
When you rest, remind yourself that this is not wasted time. This is a holy time. It is a declaration that God is in control and that you are His beloved child, worthy of renewal.
Pause and Ponder
How can I approach rest this week with a sense of gratitude and without guilt?
Be Encouraged
You do not have to live exhausted. God never intended for you to run on empty. He invites you to come, to breathe, and to rest in His presence. When you give yourself permission to rest, you will discover a new strength and peace under pressure. Remember, peace is not found in doing more—it is found in trusting more. The P.E.A.C.E. Path™ is here to remind you that continuous energy is possible when you align with God’s rhythm of work and rest. Schedule intentional rest into your week. Protect it like any other appointment. Set an alarm if you need a reminder. As you rest, allow God to refill your spirit and renew your energy for the journey ahead.
#ThePEACEPath #PeaceUnderPressure #SpiritualWellness #RestWithoutGuilt #HolisticWellness #PrayerExerciseRest #WholenessJourney
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