Permission to Rest: Finding Balance by Trusting God with Your Work and Your Rest

At the end of a long week, when your body aches and your mind is tired, you sit down to finally rest — and guilt creeps in, as if you need permission to truly unwind and relax. Perhaps, it’s time to give yourself the permission to rest.

“Shouldn’t I be doing something?”
“There’s so much still left undone.”
“Am I being lazy?”

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In a world that glorifies busyness and constant productivity, sitting still can feel wrong — even sinful. But the truth is simple and deeply biblical: 

Rest is not laziness. Rest is obedience.

Here at Living Faith Fearlessly, we believe God’s presence is woven into every part of our lives — not just in the hustle, but in the holy hush of rest. Let’s explore why you don’t have to feel guilty for resting, and how creating a simple Friday evening routine can help you live out God’s balance between work and rest.

The Root of Rest Guilt

Many of us tie our worth to our productivity. We feel valuable when we’re busy, helpful, and achieving goals. For those working in demanding careers, the weight is even heavier. You pour out your energy all day, only to come home and push yourself through more responsibilities —housework, yard work, family commitments, etc…

Stopping feels like quitting. But rest was part of God’s original design — and it wasn’t a reward for finishing everything. It was woven into creation itself.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.”— Genesis 2:2 (NIV)

God didn’t rest because He was tired. He rested to set the pattern for us — a rhythm of work and rest, giving and receiving, doing and simply being.

Rest Is an Act of Trust

When we rest, we declare, “God is God, and I am not.”

Rest says:

• I trust that the world doesn’t fall apart if I sit down.
• I trust that my value isn’t based on constant output.
• I trust that God is at work even when I am not.

Jesus Himself invites us to embrace this:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

A Guilt-Free Friday Evening Routine

Building a simple Friday routine can help anchor your heart in truth and give your body the permission it needs to slow down.

Here’s a peaceful, doable routine you can start this week…

1. Transition Moment

When you walk through the door, set aside a few moments to acknowledge your week.

• Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or water.
• Say a prayer or jot a few quick thoughts:

“I have worked hard. I have given my best. Now it’s time to rest, and that is good.”

2. Create Physical Comfort

Change into cozy clothes. Light a candle, play gentle music, or open a window.

Tell your body, “We are safe. We are home.”

3. Enjoy a Restful Activity

Choose something that brings joy without any pressure:

• Read a novel just for fun.
• Watch a favorite show.
• Sit outside and simply breathe.
• Do absolutely nothing — and savor it.

4. Gentle Reset

If a tiny task helps you relax, like starting a load of laundry or clearing the kitchen counter, go for it — but only if it feels freeing, not burdensome. Otherwise, skip it without guilt.

5. Evening Gratitude

Close your evening by thanking God:

“Thank You, Lord, for this week. Thank You for inviting me into Your rest. Teach me to trust You more in both my work and my stillness.”

Visible Reminders: Rest Is Good

Sometimes our hearts need a physical reminder that it’s okay to rest. Try posting a simple phrase somewhere you’ll see it often:

• “Rest is holy.”
• “Even God rested.” (Genesis 2:2)
• “It’s okay to stop. God is still working.”
• “Come to Me, all who are weary.” (Matthew 11:28)

You could write one on a sticky note, frame it in your favorite font, or even make a little prayer card.

God’s Balance: Everyday Faithfulness

Living a balanced life doesn’t mean achieving perfect schedules or flawless routines.
It means trusting God in both effort and exhale and to rest with full confidence that He is enough.

Your worth is not measured by your productivity. It is sealed by God’s love — steady, unshaken, and always present.

At Living Faith Fearlessly, we walk together knowing that truth, love, and grace saturate both the hustle and the hush.

Start strong, stay centered— Coffee with God sets the tone for success.

This week, give yourself permission to rest.
Not because everything is finished — but because God’s grace already is. You are deeply loved — in your work and your stillness.

Thank You, Lord, for this week. Thank You for inviting me into Your rest. Teach me to trust You more in both my work and my stillness.

CLICK TO READ:

Finding Biblical Life Balance

Sunday Short Devotional: Sabbath Rest

I’m so happy you’re here. Please drop a comment in the box below. I’d love to hear from you — What does rest look like in your life?

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