Rest vs sleep

 Rest

Rest and sleep are not the same.
I know this because I used sleep as an escape from the time I was a little girl. When things got crazy or I was facing abuse or the aftermath of trauma—I slept.

Truth is, I actually love laying in bed and sleeping. It probably started because it felt like my only safe space as a child. I could escape my parents arguing, and no one bothered me when I was in my room.

As I got older, I began to use sleep as a vice. Every chance I got, I slept—mostly to avoid the world around me. I slept out of fear. But the entire time, I was never truly rested.

It wasn’t until many years later that I learned: sleep and rest are not the same thing.
Rest is something we experience both naturally and spiritually—with God.
Rest is surrender. It’s letting go of burdens and casting all our cares upon Him.
It’s something deep… soul deep.

Most people are running on chaos and caffeine, having never truly experienced rest.
The old saying, “I’ll rest when I’m dead,” has become a life motto for many in this hustle culture.
But the truth? If you don’t know Jesus, you may never experience real rest—neither in this life nor the next.

When we strive and spin, trying to handle everything in our own strength, we miss the beautiful gift of rest that God freely gives—no matter our circumstances.
And I know firsthand what it feels like to rest in and on God.

When I do, I experience that sweet sleep promised in Proverbs.
I receive peace that passes all understanding.
And this week, I need both.

So today, my goal is to find my place of rest in God—right in the middle of everything staring me in the face as I woke up this morning.

All is well.
I’ll just be over here… singing praises in the storm and being at rest in the Father’s arms.

I love You, God.
Thank You for rest—real rest—for my weary soul.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
—Isaiah 40:31

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