Yes, You Can Rest!
Tolu prided herself on being productive. She was up before dawn, managing work, church activities, and family responsibilities. Sleep? That was a luxury she couldn’t afford. “I’ll rest when I have time,” she will always say.
Then, one Sunday, as she sat in church, fighting to keep her eyes open, it happened; her head dropped, and she jerked awake just as the pastor called on her to read a scripture. The chuckles around her made her wish she could disappear. That night, as she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, she realised something had to change.
Many of us are like Tolu, constantly running on empty. But God never designed us to live that way. Even God rested after creation, not because He needed to, but to show us the importance of rest. Jesus, too, often withdrew to rest and pray, even when crowds demanded His attention.
If the Son of God needed rest, why do you think you don’t?
Here are a few ways to improve your sleep and embrace rest:
1. See rest as God’s gift
Rest isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. Psalm 127:2 says, “For He gives sleep to His beloved.” That means sleep is not just a biological need; it’s a spiritual gift. As believers, we often feel the pressure to do it all, but rest is part of God’s design for us.
2. Create a wind-down routine.
Your body and mind need cues to know when it’s time to rest. Try building a simple nightly routine:
* Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
* Take a shower to relax your body.
* Try journaling your thoughts.
* End with a prayer, asking God to quiet your mind and give you a restful sleep.
This routine doesn’t have to be long or complicated; it just needs consistency.
3. Set a consistent sleep schedule.
Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate your body clock. Yes, even on weekends! This consistency helps your body fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Set alarms for bedtime just as you would for waking up, as a gentle reminder that rest is a priority, not an afterthought.
4. Create a restful sleep environment.
Your bedroom should be a place of peace, and simple changes can make a big difference:
* Declutter your room to reduce visual stress.
* Use soft lighting in the evening (no harsh bulbs).
* Ensure your bed is primarily for sleeping, not scrolling on your phone.
5. Surrender your mental load to God.
So many of us lie awake thinking about everything we didn’t finish or everything meant to be done the following day. Start practising mental surrender at night. Write down what’s on your mind, and then pray through the list, handing it over to God one by one. Remember Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary… and I will give you rest.” God’s shoulders are more restful.
6. Know when to say no
One major enemy of rest is overcommitment. It’s okay to say “no,” even to good things, if it means protecting your health and peace. Ask yourself regularly, “Is this God’s assignment or just a good opportunity?” Learning to say no is how we make space to say yes to God’s plan for us.
Tolu made small but significant changes, turning off her phone earlier, setting a bedtime, and spending quiet moments with God before sleep. Soon, she felt more energised, focused, and, most importantly, present.
God calls us to work, but He also calls us to rest. When we trust Him enough to slow down, we find that rest isn’t just necessary; it’s a gift from God.