The Discipline of Rest: Why Stopping is a Spiritual Rep

Arnie Cole
19 hours ago
4 min read

We live in a world that worships the "grind." We are told that if we aren't producing, achieving,

The Discipline of Rest: Why Stopping is a Spiritual Rep

or moving forward, we are falling behind. For many high-achievers, this mentality follows them right into their spiritual lives. We approach our faith like an elite athlete approaches a season: we want to work harder, do more, and push further for the Kingdom. But as Arnie Cole and guest Megan Fletcher discussed in recently on Spiritually Fit Today, there is a massive difference between working for God and resting in God. For the "go-getter," sitting still can feel like failure. In reality, rest is one of the most important spiritual reps you can perform. It requires the immense strength of surrendering control.

The Go-Getter’s Greatest Struggle

Megan shared how, for years, her identity was tied to the scoreboard. As a college volleyball player, her worth was determined by her performance. When she transitioned into her walk with Christ, she realized that many of us try to fill our "identity hole" with spiritual activity rather than spiritual intimacy.

We think that if we just pray longer or serve more, we will finally feel "fit." But God didn't create us to be machines; He created us to be His children. Psalm 46:10 gives us a command that is often harder than any physical workout: "Be still, and know that I am God." To be still is to acknowledge that the world—and the Kingdom—doesn't rest on our shoulders. It rests on His.

Why Rest is a Spiritual Discipline

Rest is not the absence of work; it is the presence of trust. When we choose to stop, we are making a radical declaration that God is the provider, not us. In the rhythm of spiritual fitness, rest is the recovery period that allows our "spiritual muscles" to actually grow.

To make 2026 a "dynamite year," as Arnie Cole suggested, we have to get back to the basics. This doesn't mean adding more to your to-do list. It means creating space for:

● The Word: Reading not just for information, but for transformation.

● Prayer: Moving from a list of requests to a lifestyle of "praying continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

● Sabbath: Taking a literal day or a specific block of time to simply be with the Father.

Training for Longevity, Not Just a Season

In sports, if you don't rest, you burn out or get injured. The same is true in our faith. If your spiritual life is all "high-intensity intervals" with no recovery, you will eventually find yourself running on empty.

Matthew 11:28-30 contains the ultimate invitation for the tired worker: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Notice that Jesus doesn't offer a new set of rules; He offers Himself. He invites us to take His yoke—a tool for work—but promises that it is easy and light because He is the one pulling the heavy weight.

Your Soul Pump Assignment

This week, your assignment is to find thirty minutes to do absolutely nothing but be in God's presence. No phone, no worship music, no prayer list. Just sit. If your mind starts to race toward your to-do list, gently pull it back with the words of Psalm 62:1: "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation."

A Final Encouragement

Resting doesn't mean you are lazy; it means you are localized in the truth that God is enough. What you do today—including choosing to stop—truly matters for your soul.

Reader FAQ

Q1: I feel guilty when I’m not being productive. Is that normal?

A: In our culture, yes. But guilt is often a sign that our identity is still tied to our performance. Remind yourself that God loved you before you ever did a single thing for Him.

Q2: Does "praying continually" mean I can’t focus on my work?

A: Not at all. It means keeping the "phone line" to God open. It’s a background conversation where you invite Him into your emails, your meetings, and your chores.

Q3: What if I can’t find a full day for Sabbath?

A: Start where you are. If you can’t do twenty-four hours, start with two hours of "digital Sabbath" where you turn off the noise and focus entirely on God and your family.

Q4: How do I know the difference between "holy rest" and "laziness"?

A: Laziness is avoiding responsibility. Holy rest is a deliberate choice to cease from labor to worship and recharge in God's presence so you can return to your work with a right heart.