It’s hard for me to rest sometimes. I’m an all-in kind of person, and it’s hard for me to pace myself and take a break. But I have learned that resting is good.

It was February 2008. I know that because I made a notation in my Bible. It had been a harried season of life, and I was tired. I was beginning my devotions that morning on a lounge chair beside a pool in a very warm and beautiful locale, while thinking about everyone at home shoveling to get out of their driveways to get to work or school. And I was feeling guilty that I was on vacation.

I told myself to get over it, but that didn’t help. Others told me we deserved this break, but that didn’t help, either. But finally something did.

I read my devotional book and then started reading my Bible in Psalm 139, which is one of my favorite passages. I got to verse three and had to do a double-take. When did this verse get in here? “You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.”

It was as if God just flat-out said, “It’s time to stop and rest, Tabby. I want you to rest.”

I noted the date in my Bible as tears began their liberating course down my cheeks. And I sat back in that chair and gave myself permission to rest.

The Bible is actually full of verses about rest, about taking time to recharge. Our bodies were designed to rest; we need sleep every day. God designed a day of rest within each week. It is healthy and wise to find places of rest.

In some seasons of life, that looks more like small pauses. I have learned to stop each day (or start each day) for carved-out time to sit quietly in God’s presence. I read my Bible and pray, too, but I think the rejuvenation comes as I meditate on his word and just allow myself to be with him. His love overflows in me then. I listen with my heart for him to speak to me. His Spirit is a constant source of peace and rest, whether life is at an all-out crazy pace or it’s running along calmly and smoothly.

Take a deep breath. Breathe in deeply, then let it out slowly. Congratulations! You’ve just done a good thing for yourself today. Now take a few moments to just be still. What is God’s Spirit saying to you today? If you listen, he will speak.