Permission to Rest

Posted by: Amanda Bridle, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager | Monday, August 11th, 2025 (12:00am)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.—Psalm 23:1-3

Yellowstone National Park is famous for a fascinating selection of geothermal wonders like dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pots, and hot springs of many hues. So, you may be surprised to hear that one of the things I remember most fondly from my visit there was an unassuming meadow.

The meadow was a thick sea of green and gold grasses, bending in one graceful wave as a soft breeze passed across. A sparkling stream cut neatly through the vegetation, curving and burbling peacefully. Tree-covered hills and mountain tops rose up in the distance, creating a protective shelter. I gazed across the peaceful scene, delighted that such beauty was a reality.

When the Psalmist confidently states of God, “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads beside peaceful streams” this is the place that comes to mind. At the memory I am immediately in a state of ease, soothed and relaxed. My muscles melt as I rest in the sun, drowsy and safe.

I notice, too, that the Psalmist says “He lets me rest…” God gives us permission to rest. The rest is a good gift from God that doesn’t have to be first earned. If you’re anything like me, you are the one who needs to give yourself permission to rest. I can already hear the protests in my mind: “But I need to…” or “I haven’t…” or “I should (fill in the blank) first…” But none of this is a prerequisite to your receiving the gift of rest.

If our Father gives us permission to rest, then who are we to argue? He is our Creator who knows us intimately. He knows exactly what we need, and we should trust His permission. I must humbly admit that His wisdom is greater than my own!

And what is the result of this rest? God promises to renew our strength. I know by the end of the week I am often in desperate need of renewal. I sometimes limp into Sunday feeling completely done. Done with people (even my favorite ones that I live with!). Done with cleaning and laundry. Done with driving all over town for appointments and practices. Done with the tasks piling up at work. Done with it all!

That’s when I surrender to God and make the life-changing choice to observe a Sabbath, a full day of rest. I set aside my phone, refuse to check emails, and ignore the unfolded load in the dryer. In an ideal world I would have tied up all my tasks before Sunday. But in the real world I just need to leave them half done because that’s what God asks me to do.

Much to my repeated surprise, taking time to rest actually works. I approach Monday morning in a better state of mind. I am able to see the good in the people and places around me. I have new energy to bring to the work God has assigned me. It’s like God knew all along exactly what I needed.

So, if you’re weary and worn, you might need some rest. And if you’re looking for permission to do so, be assured that you already have it from your good and loving God.