How to Find Spiritual Rest and Deepen Your Intimacy With God
Can I tell you something? So many women I sit with are exhausted—not just tired, but soul tired, needing a Christian approach to mental health rooted in faith. You see, we know what it means to hustle. To keep up. To check the next thing off our list. But how many of us really know how to find spiritual rest?
Here's the thing—my own story is tangled up in those hurried days, finding God in hard times. I spent years thinking intimacy with God came from doing more, a struggle that finally shifted through healing from spiritual perfectionism. Bible study plans, serving at every turn, keeping the spiritual to-do list neat and tidy. But there was always this ache underneath, a sense that God was calling me deeper, if I could just be still long enough to hear it.
In our recent podcast episode, this conversation came up in the rawest way. deepening your relationship with God isn't about stepping away from life—it's about inviting God into every part of it. So let's sit together for a minute and ask: What would happen if we made space for spiritual self-care tips? What would it actually look like to find spiritual rest, not just for a day, but as the heartbeat of our faith—especially through Christian self care in hard times?
Why Do We Struggle To Find Spiritual Rest?
The Noise That Fills Our Days
Let me ask you—how noisy is your life, really? I know mine can get so loud that even my quiet time with God feels rushed. The laundry needs doing, deadlines loom, someone is always hungry. Our culture pats us on the back for all of this busyness. But can I be honest? All that noise drowns out the very thing my heart is desperate for—God's peace, especially when God feels silent. Maybe you've noticed that too, especially when dealing with doubt as Christian feels exhausting.
When I think about how to find spiritual rest, I remember those moments when I paused long enough to listen as I practice hearing God's voice daily. Those little nudges from God often come in the spaces I've set aside, reminding me that faithfulness in everyday life begins with stillness. It's in the margin that God whispers, often through gratitude practices for healing that slow our hearts.
Why Rest Isn't Just About Stopping
Sometimes, we confuse rest with checking out — spiritual rebuilding after setbacks is a path to resting in God. But spiritual rest is different. It's a decision to trust God with our to-do lists and let Him speak into the silence—learning trusting God in daily life. That doesn't mean we stop caring or stop working; belonging beyond motherhood can help sustain rest. We become more available for whatever God wants to say or do.
How to Find Spiritual Rest In A Busy World
Start By Making Space
God doesn't force Himself into our crowded calendars. He waits to be welcomed. Making space for rest isn't about grand gestures. It's those small choices—turning off your phone before bed, saying no to one extra commitment, or just sitting quietly on your porch for five minutes. When I do these things, I start to notice my soul breathing deeper again. That's how to find spiritual rest one small moment at a time.
- Wake up ten minutes earlier for quiet prayer
- Read one Psalm slowly, letting God's promises sink in
- Walk outside, noticing the world God made
- Pause before responding, inviting God to guide your words
Invite God Into Your Everyday Moments
I remember chatting in the podcast about those small acts of obedience—picking up litter in a parking lot, trusting God when it's awkward, letting Him use even the most ordinary moments. That’s part of how to find spiritual rest. We don’t just rest our bodies, we rest our hearts in His presence. God meets us there—right in the real, everyday stuff.
Rest Isn't a Reward—It's a Relationship
Can I confess? I sometimes treat rest like a prize I earn for getting everything right. But the Bible flips that idea. Jesus didn’t say, “Come to me after you’ve got it all together.” He just said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 CSB). This is His promise. Rest is not a reward, it’s an invitation. Spiritual rest is an invitation to know God’s heart, not just do things for Him.
What Blocks Us From True Spiritual Stillness?
The Lies We Believe
It's so easy to buy into the lie that our worth is in our productivity. The truth? Our value comes from being God's beloved—full stop. When I slow down, I remember who I am and who God is. These quiet moments are where He rewrites my story. If I ignore them, I miss so much of what He wants to show me.
Heart Check: Is There Space For God?
Sometimes a spiritual spring cleaning is what we need. The podcast reminded me of how clutter creeps into our lives and our minds. Just like we clear out junk from a closet, we get to make fresh space for God. Ask yourself—is there any clutter crowding out God’s whispers? Am I letting hurry or worry block my connection with Him?
- Identify distractions and lay them down
- Ask God to reveal anything that’s taking up space He wants to fill
- Pray for a renewed sensitivity to His voice
How To Find Spiritual Rest Through Daily Habits
Engage The Word With Expectation
The more I read the Bible, the more clearly I recognize God’s voice. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, those moments are changing me. If you’re wondering how to find spiritual rest, start here. Open your Bible. Get familiar with God's character. Let His Word anchor your thoughts so you can spot what comes from Him (hand to heart—this makes all the difference).
Create Room For Silence and Reflection
Our recent conversation reminded me how awkward stillness can feel at first. It feels like nothing is happening, but so much is. Silence gives your heart room to breathe and for God to speak. Sometimes that means sitting quietly in your car after dropping kids off, or simply choosing not to fill every gap with noise. God works in the quiet. I’ve learned I can meet Him there—even if it’s only a few uninterrupted minutes.
Rest As A Launchpad For Community
I want you to know something—finding spiritual rest doesn't just change you. It spills out into your family, your friendships, our church. In the podcast, we talked about how simple acts of obedience can shape someone else's faith. When you model spiritual rest, it gives others permission to slow down, too. It lets them see that intimacy with God is possible for them, right here and now. This is how we become a community marked by God's presence—not stress or striving, but peace.
How To Find Spiritual Rest When Life Feels Chaotic
Tether Yourself To God’s Promises
Life rarely slows down for us. But we get to grab hold of God’s unchanging promises. I love Psalm 46:10 (CSB): “Stop fighting, and know that I am God.” Isn’t that what we long for? Permission to stop fighting, even if chaos swirls around us. When I hold onto what God says, rather than what I see, I find spiritual rest even in the noise.
Remember: You Can Always Come Back
Maybe you feel far away from spiritual rest right now. I’ve been there. But this is the hope we have—you can always return. God’s love hasn’t moved an inch. All it takes is one small step, one quiet moment. He’ll meet you right where you are, no prerequisites or perfect plans required.
Making Spiritual Rest Your Reality Today
Let’s get real—learning how to find spiritual rest is a practice. You won’t master it in a day. We ebb and flow. But every small, intentional choice to be still is a step toward greater intimacy with God. And you know what? You’re going to see fruit. Peace. Clarity. A renewed sense of purpose. That’s what happens when we make room for the Lord.
- Make a commitment to one quiet moment daily
- Read scripture out loud, even a single verse
- Pause to acknowledge God in the regular rhythms
- Choose rest when you feel the urge to rush
Want to go deeper? Listen to our full podcast episode, "How to Know God's Voice and Follow It." We get real about the practical ways rest shapes our ability to hear God and live from a place of trust. Share it with a friend who needs encouragement—let’s become women marked by rest, not just busyness.
