Psalm 23
This morning as I was reflecting on Scripture, I was reminded of something I used to tell my cosmetology students often—you sometimes just need a day. Resting doesn’t always look “productive,” but when God calls us to slow down, it 𝘪𝘴 productive.
We can’t pour from an empty cup, and when we use up what God has given us, we have to take the time to be filled again.
🍂Sometimes that looks like sleep.
🍁 Sometimes it looks like stillness.
🍂 Sometimes it looks like getting into
His Word and becoming strong again.
For almost ten years, I balanced a salon while teaching the next generation of cosmetologists—whether it was days in the classroom and nights in the salon or vice versa. The pace was grueling, but I ran on adrenaline and rarely felt tired. But when that season ended, my body had to catch up—it was like I finally felt the exhaustion. I’ve learned through both work and grief that rest is not wasted time; it’s where God restores us. We are warriors, and Scripture reminds us that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. To be ready for battle, we must let Him replenish us.
And today?
The rain is softly falling, the porch is calling, and I’m reminded—Psalm 23 doesn’t say He 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 rest. It says He 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨 lie down.
That’s not weakness.
That’s grace.
So friend, if your body, your soul, or even the weather is whispering, 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯—go ahead. Receive it. 🍂☕️
Many people underestimate the true power of rest, often viewing it as idleness or unproductiveness. However, drawing inspiration from Psalm 23, we see that rest is a vital part of spiritual and physical renewal. In this Psalm, God not only encourages rest but actively makes us lie down—demonstrating that rest is a divine provision essential to our well-being. Modern life’s fast pace can lead to burnout and exhaustion, much like the experience shared by the author balancing a busy career and teaching responsibilities. This grind can drain our energy and spirit. Yet, like the author’s testimony, embracing rest—whether through sleep, moments of stillness, or immersing oneself in Scripture—refills our depleted reserves and strengthens us for the challenges ahead. Rest is not a sign of weakness but a form of grace given by God to restore our body, mind, and soul. It is during these quiet moments that we reconnect with our faith and find peace despite life’s storms. Spiritual teachings remind us that our true battle isn’t against other people but against unseen spiritual forces, making restoration all the more critical for resilience. Encouragingly, slowing down isn’t just about physical rest but involves allowing yourself permission to pause and receive God’s grace. Whether it’s a gentle rainy day beckoning us to rest or a whisper from our soul urging a slowdown, embracing these moments can profoundly impact our wellbeing. This approach also aligns well with contemporary mindfulness and self-care principles, emphasizing that refilling our 'cup' is necessary to serve others and fulfill our purpose effectively. In essence, rest revitalizes us, sharpens our focus, and equips us emotionally and spiritually. By integrating the lessons from Psalm 23 and personal experiences, we learn a transformative truth: rest is holy, intentional, and empowering. It prepares us to face life’s battles renewed and rooted in grace.
