How Rest Helps Us Experience Wonder
- Whitney Hopler
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
In our fast-paced world, rest often feels like a luxury. But rest is too important to skip. Rest recharges our bodies, renews our minds, and opens our souls to the wonder of God’s presence with us. Rest is much more than just a physical and mental break. It’s a spiritual discipline that allows us to notice and appreciate the awe-inspiring experiences we can enjoy day by day.
When we’re rushing from one activity to the next, juggling responsibilities and constantly checking off our to-do lists, how much space do we have to experience wonder? How often can we pause to watch a colorful sunset, listen to an inspiring song, or enjoy any other kind of wondrous experience? When we’re exhausted and overwhelmed, our capacity for wonder diminishes.
Jesus, our ultimate example, understood the importance of rest. Even with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Jesus regularly withdrew to quiet places to pray in solitude. You can explore more about this in my article “7 Benefits of Rest as Modeled by Jesus.” Jesus knew that to pour out energy to others during his earthly life, he first needed to be refilled through rest.
When we set aside time for rest in our schedules regularly, we make space for God to speak to us through wonder. It’s while we rest that our senses can wake up.
Here’s how rest helps us experience wonder:
Rest sharpens our senses: When we’re well-rested, we’re tuned in to the small but significant details that can inspire us with wonder. We can see the stars, hear the birds sing, taste the sweetness in fresh fruit, and much more when we’re not distracted by stress. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Stillness allows us to know and connect with God’s presence.
Rest calms our concerns: Stress and worry are huge wonder-blockers. When our minds are racing with concerns, it’s hard to appreciate the everyday miracles around us. Rest helps us relieve stress and worry so we can embrace the peace God wants to give us. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28. Jesus is talking here about resting our souls, which frees us from the burdens that block us from wonder.
Rest creates space for reflection: When we step away from our busy schedules, we create opportunities to reflect on God’s goodness, faithfulness, and power. Reflecting on God inspires us with gratitude, and gratitude is a powerful catalyst for wonder. Psalm 143:5 says: “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”
Rest reminds us of God’s loving care: When we take breaks from our busyness, we remember that the world doesn’t depend on our constant effort. God sustains everything, even when we’re resting. This assurance helps us trust God and feel awe when we think of God’s powerful provision. As Psalm 23:1-3 says: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
When we find it hard to slow down, or if we feel like we’re constantly running on empty, it might be a sign that we’re neglecting this God-given need for rest. My article “7 Signs You're Neglecting Your God-Given Need for Rest” can help. Embracing rest isn’t laziness; it’s an act of faith that shows God we trust him enough to live as he designed us to live. The more we rest, the more we can discover the wonder of God’s work in our lives! Learn more in my devotional “How Breaks from Your Busyness Can Help You Find God” and my article “5 Essential Prayers for Renewal and Revival.”
I hope you’ll join me by making rest a priority – for our well-being, and for the profound joy of experiencing the wonder of God in every part of our lives!
Learn more about experiencing God’s wonder in Wake Up to Wonder (order the paperback or the e-book) and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year (order the paperback or the e-book).
Blessings,
Whitney
