Holy Rest: The Missing Piece in Your Lenten Renewal

by | Mar 5, 2025

 

 

Introduction: The Gift of Holy Rest

Lent is often thought of as a time of sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual challenge. We fast, we give things up, we add spiritual practices—but how often do we embrace rest as a Lenten discipline?

 

In today’s world, rest is often mistaken for laziness. We glorify busyness, hustle, and non-stop productivity. But Scripture tells a different story. True, holy rest is a gift from God, a necessary part of renewal, and an act of faith.

This Lent, instead of only focusing on what to give up, consider what you need to receive. Holy rest isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about making space for God to restore you, body and soul.

Let’s explore how embracing faith-filled rest during Lent can lead to deeper renewal, stronger faith, and even a healthier body.

What Is Holy Rest?

Holy rest is more than just sleep or taking time off. It is a spiritual discipline that allows us to stop striving and trust in God’s provision.

📖 “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

Rest is an act of faith because it acknowledges that we are not in control—God is. When we allow ourselves to stop working, worrying, and striving, we open ourselves to renewal.

Holy rest can take many forms:
✅ Sabbath rest – Setting aside time each week to focus on God, family, and renewal.
✅ Physical rest – Honoring your body by balancing movement with recovery.
✅ Mental rest – Taking time to step away from noise, screens, and constant activity.
✅ Spiritual rest – Surrendering anxieties, spending time in prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.

During Lent, we focus on conversion, sacrifice, and renewal—but all of these require making space for God to work in us.

Why We Resist Rest

If holy rest is so powerful, why do we resist it?

1️⃣ We Equate Rest with Weakness
We live in a culture that glorifies overworking, hustling, and productivity. Many people, especially those who are passionate about fitness and faith, feel guilty for resting. But Jesus Himself rested—He withdrew to pray, He slept in the boat during the storm, and He often went away to be alone with the Father.

2️⃣ We Struggle to Trust God
Rest requires surrender. It asks us to trust that God will take care of things while we step away. When we refuse to rest, we are essentially saying, “It all depends on me.” But Lent is a time to let go of control and allow God to work.

3️⃣ We Are Addicted to Busyness
Many of us fill our schedules with constant activity because silence is uncomfortable. But true renewal only happens when we slow down enough to hear God’s voice.

The Biblical Foundation of Holy Rest

From the very beginning, God established the importance of rest:

📖 “On the seventh day, God finished His work that He had done, and He rested.” – Genesis 2:2

God, who is all-powerful, did not need to rest—but He chose to rest as an example for us. The commandment to observe the Sabbath reminds us that rest is not optional—it is essential.

Jesus Himself practiced rest:

  • He slept in the boat during the storm (Mark 4:38).
  • He withdrew to pray alone (Luke 5:16).
  • He invited others into His rest:
    📖 “Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

If Jesus needed time to rest, pray, and recover, why do we think we don’t?

How Holy Rest Renews Your Body and Soul

When we embrace faith-filled rest, we experience true renewal—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

1. Rest Renews Your Faith

  • When you slow down, you have more time for prayer, scripture, and reflection.
  • Silence and stillness allow you to hear God’s voice more clearly.
  • Trusting in rest deepens your faith, reminding you that God is in control.

💡 Lenten Practice: Schedule at least 15 minutes of silence daily to rest in God’s presence.

2. Rest Renews Your Body

  • Recovery is when growth happens. Just as muscles rebuild during rest days, our bodies heal and strengthen when we allow them to recover.
  • Overworking your body can lead to fatigue, injury, and burnout.
  • Rest allows you to return to training stronger and more focused.

💡 Lenten Practice: Prioritize one active recovery day per week—gentle stretching, walking, or simply resting in gratitude.

3. Rest Renews Your Mind

  • Constant mental stimulation (phones, screens, work) drains us.
  • Mental rest sharpens focus, increases creativity, and reduces stress.
  • Silence helps us become more present in prayer, relationships, and daily life.

💡 Lenten Practice: Unplug from technology for one hour daily to allow your mind to reset.

4. Rest Renews Your Soul

  • Sabbath rest is a commandment, not a suggestion. When we embrace it, we allow God to refresh our souls.
  • True spiritual rest happens when we surrender our anxieties, worries, and plans to God.
  • Resting in adoration, prayer, or scripture brings peace and clarity.

💡 Lenten Practice: Spend one hour in Eucharistic Adoration this week, simply resting with Jesus.

How to Embrace Holy Rest This Lent

If you’re used to constant activity, embracing rest will take intentional effort. Here’s how to start:

 

1️⃣ Schedule Rest Like an Appointment
Block off time each week for intentional prayer, silence, and physical rest.

2️⃣ Shift Your Mindset
Remember: Rest is productive. It allows you to rebuild, renew, and grow stronger.

3️⃣ Trust the Process
Just as a well-structured workout plan includes rest days, your faith journey needs holy rest to grow.

4️⃣ Use the “Rebuild the Body” Lenten Devotional
This guide will help you embrace faith-filled rest through daily reflections, breath prayers, and scripture-based insights.

📥 Download your free copy today: A Lenten Guide Resting Well

Conclusion: Lent Is a Time to Rebuild

Lent is not just about what we give up—it’s about how we make space for God.

By embracing holy rest, you allow God to rebuild you from the inside out. You will enter Easter stronger, clearer, and more in tune with God’s plan for your life.

📖 “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” – Isaiah 40:31

This Lent, don’t just push harder—rest well, rebuild, and rise stronger.

🔗 Ready to start your Lenten renewal? Download Rebuild the Body: A Lenten Guide to Resting Well today! A Lenten Guide for Resting Well

 

 

 

 

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