God’s Plan for Rest and Renewal
Burnout isn’t just physical exhaustion, it’s the slow draining of your emotional, mental, and spiritual strength. It’s waking up tired, feeling overwhelmed before your day even begins, and wondering if you can keep going at this pace. For many women, burnout has become the “new normal.” But God never intended for His daughters to live worn out and running on empty.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28–29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a command, a gift, and a spiritual discipline that brings renewal to every part of our lives.
1. Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
The first step toward renewal is acknowledging where you are. Burnout often shows up as:
Physical Fatigue – Constant tiredness, even after sleep.
Emotional Numbness – Feeling detached or indifferent toward people and responsibilities.
Loss of Joy – Struggling to find excitement in things that once gave you life.
Spiritual Dryness – Difficulty connecting with God, prayer feeling like a chore.
If you’re seeing these signs, it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that your soul is craving the rest only God can provide.
To rebuild spiritual strength, see Anchored in the Word: How to Build a Consistent Bible Study Rhythm for tips on staying rooted in Scripture even in weary seasons.
2. God’s Blueprint for Rest
From the very beginning, God modeled rest. On the seventh day of creation, He stopped, blessed the day, and made it holy (Genesis 2:2–3). The Sabbath wasn’t just about ceasing from work, it was about being refreshed in His presence.
Rest in God’s design includes:
Physical Renewal – Sleep, stillness, and stepping back from constant activity.
Spiritual Renewal – Worship, prayer, and time in His Word.
Relational Renewal – Time with people who encourage your faith.
3. Learning to Say “No”
One of the main causes of burnout is overcommitment. As women, we often feel the need to say “yes” to everything, work, ministry, school, kids’ activities, social events, until our schedules are so full that rest becomes impossible.
Jesus Himself often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed boundaries, so do we. Saying “no” isn’t selfish, it’s obedience when it allows us to stay healthy and aligned with God’s will.
For more on how boundaries can open the door to deeper community, see Strong Women, Strong Friendships: Building Christ-Centered Community.
4. Practical Rhythms for Renewal
Rest isn’t a one-time vacation, it’s a lifestyle. Here are some practical ways to create rhythms of renewal:
Start Your Day with God – Even 10 minutes in prayer or reading Scripture can set the tone for peace. (See: Faith in the Everyday: Hearing God’s Voice in Your Daily Routine)
Schedule Downtime – Put rest on your calendar just like you would a meeting.
Limit Technology – Set boundaries for social media and email.
Move Your Body – Gentle exercise like walking can refresh both body and mind.
Protect Your Sabbath – Dedicate one day a week to worship, rest, and relationships.
5. Rest as Warfare
Rest isn’t just about avoiding burnout, it’s a spiritual weapon. When you rest in God, you’re declaring that He is your provider, not your performance. You’re resisting the enemy’s lie that your worth is based on what you produce.
Isaiah 30:15 says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Rest brings clarity, peace, and renewed strength to stand boldly in your calling.
Final Encouragement
Burnout doesn’t have to define your life. God offers a better way, a life balanced with purpose, peace, and His presence. If you’re tired, overextended, and longing for renewal, start small. Clear some space. Breathe. Open His Word. And remember, rest is not time wasted, it’s time invested in becoming who He’s called you to be.
For more on living intentionally and inviting others into that life, read Hospitality as Ministry: Opening Your Home and Heart and join us at the Draw Near Conference, where you’ll find practical tools and spiritual encounters that refresh the soul.
God’s Plan for Rest and Renewal
Burnout isn’t just physical exhaustion, it’s the slow draining of your emotional, mental, and spiritual strength. It’s waking up tired, feeling overwhelmed before your day even begins, and wondering if you can keep going at this pace. For many women, burnout has become the “new normal.” But God never intended for His daughters to live worn out and running on empty.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28–29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a command, a gift, and a spiritual discipline that brings renewal to every part of our lives.
1. Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
The first step toward renewal is acknowledging where you are. Burnout often shows up as:
Physical Fatigue – Constant tiredness, even after sleep.
Emotional Numbness – Feeling detached or indifferent toward people and responsibilities.
Loss of Joy – Struggling to find excitement in things that once gave you life.
Spiritual Dryness – Difficulty connecting with God, prayer feeling like a chore.
If you’re seeing these signs, it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that your soul is craving the rest only God can provide.
To rebuild spiritual strength, see Anchored in the Word: How to Build a Consistent Bible Study Rhythm for tips on staying rooted in Scripture even in weary seasons.
2. God’s Blueprint for Rest
From the very beginning, God modeled rest. On the seventh day of creation, He stopped, blessed the day, and made it holy (Genesis 2:2–3). The Sabbath wasn’t just about ceasing from work, it was about being refreshed in His presence.
Rest in God’s design includes:
Physical Renewal – Sleep, stillness, and stepping back from constant activity.
Spiritual Renewal – Worship, prayer, and time in His Word.
Relational Renewal – Time with people who encourage your faith.
3. Learning to Say “No”
One of the main causes of burnout is overcommitment. As women, we often feel the need to say “yes” to everything, work, ministry, school, kids’ activities, social events, until our schedules are so full that rest becomes impossible.
Jesus Himself often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed boundaries, so do we. Saying “no” isn’t selfish, it’s obedience when it allows us to stay healthy and aligned with God’s will.
For more on how boundaries can open the door to deeper community, see Strong Women, Strong Friendships: Building Christ-Centered Community.
4. Practical Rhythms for Renewal
Rest isn’t a one-time vacation, it’s a lifestyle. Here are some practical ways to create rhythms of renewal:
Start Your Day with God – Even 10 minutes in prayer or reading Scripture can set the tone for peace. (See: Faith in the Everyday: Hearing God’s Voice in Your Daily Routine)
Schedule Downtime – Put rest on your calendar just like you would a meeting.
Limit Technology – Set boundaries for social media and email.
Move Your Body – Gentle exercise like walking can refresh both body and mind.
Protect Your Sabbath – Dedicate one day a week to worship, rest, and relationships.
5. Rest as Warfare
Rest isn’t just about avoiding burnout, it’s a spiritual weapon. When you rest in God, you’re declaring that He is your provider, not your performance. You’re resisting the enemy’s lie that your worth is based on what you produce.
Isaiah 30:15 says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Rest brings clarity, peace, and renewed strength to stand boldly in your calling.
Final Encouragement
Burnout doesn’t have to define your life. God offers a better way, a life balanced with purpose, peace, and His presence. If you’re tired, overextended, and longing for renewal, start small. Clear some space. Breathe. Open His Word. And remember, rest is not time wasted, it’s time invested in becoming who He’s called you to be.
For more on living intentionally and inviting others into that life, read Hospitality as Ministry: Opening Your Home and Heart and join us at the Draw Near Conference, where you’ll find practical tools and spiritual encounters that refresh the soul.