5 Lies About Rest–and What to Do Differently

I have often found it hard to rest. There always seems to be so much to do, and never enough time. 

To be sure, there is a time to work. God uniquely created each of us with talents and abilities to make a contribution in life.

We may be good at what we do and find satisfaction in a job well done. But there is also a time to cease from our labor.

I have learned that being “driven” is one thing, but being a slave to what you do—bound to guilt, condemnation, perfectionism or people pleasing—is bondage.

Unknowingly, you are living a lie.

“The lie the taskmasters want you to swallow is that you cannot rest until your work’s all done, and done better than you’re currently doing it,” said Mark Buchanan in The Rest of God.

“But the truth is, the work’s never done, and never done quite right. It’s always more than you can finish and less than you had hoped for.¹”

If we address some of the lies, and release them, then physical rest and inner peace—soul rest—can replace worry and fear, and things can begin to change.

Read each one listed here and talk to God in prayer about what’s keeping you from getting the rest you need.

1) LIE: I can do everything, and do it all on my own. This is the person who believes she has to make it all happen, to do everything for everyone and do it all by herself. Some may call her a martyr; others may call her a control freak.

She believes her way is the “right” way or she feels she must save the world. The truth is we are sorely deceived when we think are a Junior Jesus. We can’t save the world; He already did that for us. It’s the ultimate deception when we think we are like God or we are God. (Genesis 3:5)

2) LIE: I feel guilty when I rest. I used to think rest was a luxury for a privileged few. It was a time in my life when I was short on funds and working three jobs just to stay afloat. It didn’t seem fair.

I came across the book, When I Relax I Feel Guilty by Tim Hansel and learned that I had a right to rest. In fact, rest was God’s idea! (Genesis 2:1-3)

3) LIE: I don’t deserve to rest. Rest is a gift. You don’t earn it. A slave driver mentality is not from God but the enemy, the one who is out to destroy you. The truth is, when you come to know Christ you are set free (John 8:36).

4) LIE: Rest is a waste of time. In reality, taking time to renew your weary self is time well spent. It’s an investment that will pay off physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally because you will be a better you—for others and for yourself. Stopping periodically to get refreshed ultimately helps you get the job done more effectively.

5} LIE: If I rest, I won’t get it all done. That goes back to the fundamental question of whose agenda you are following. A major heart shift happens when we begin to realize that life is about God’s plan, His story. We live for God, not for ourselves. And the good Lord will enable us to get done what He wants accomplished each day when we are surrendered and willing.

Choose to surrender the lies and misbeliefs, and find real rest.