How to Practice Resting in God as a mother
In the beginning, God created day and night. The day is bright for activity, while the night is for rest and renewal.
“In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth…And God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light…God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.”
Genesis 1:1–5 AMP
God made different seasons of summer, winter, autumn, spring:
“Then God said, ‘Let there be light-bearers in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from night…and for marking seasons, days, and years.'”
Genesis 1:14–15 AMP
God also demonstrated the value of rest:
- He gave Adam his first deep sleep (Genesis 2:21 AMP)
- God Himself rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it (Genesis 2:2–3 AMP)
- He made a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1–13 AMP)
Every morning, God’s mercies are new:
“They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 AMP
God designed our bodies for cycles of work and rest. We have a God-given need for seasons of quiet, stillness, and renewal.
Rest is part of His purpose for us, and we are reminded throughout scripture to find our rest in Him:
- “He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul.”
Psalms 23:2–3 AMP - “Come to Me, all who are weary…and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28–30 AMP - “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14 AMP - “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalms 46:10 AMP - “For God alone my soul waits in silence…for my hope is from Him.”
Psalms 62:1,5 AMP - “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God…Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest.”
Hebrews 4:9–11 AMP
Practical Encouragement for Moms:
- Notice the rhythms God has built into creation: work and rest, seasons, morning and night.
- Embrace rest as God’s gift and example for your well-being, your motherhood, and your faith.
- Pray and lean on Jesus. He is the author of true rest. When you feel overwhelmed or weary, run to Jesus.
Be gentle with yourself. You were created for both meaningful work and restorative rest. As you trust God and follow His rhythms, He will refresh your soul and renew your strength.
Shalom,
Following God’s Ways,
Natasha Chetty.
