One afternoon, I found myself feeling overwhelmed, despite being surrounded by the beauty of the countryside where I live with my family. The kids were laughing, my wife was busy with her garden, but I just couldn’t shake the fatigue that had been building for weeks. Between work, family life, and trying to stay connected with my faith, I felt like I was running on fumes.
I decided to take a break—something I rarely allow myself to do. I laid down under a tall cherry tree in my garden, gazing up at the canopy of leaves, and closed my eyes. I whispered a short prayer for peace and rest, and in that moment of stillness, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. It wasn’t just the physical rest that helped, but the spiritual renewal that came with it.
That’s when I realized: Rest is not just a necessity for our bodies; it’s essential for our souls. God calls us to rest, and sometimes, even a short nap can be a spiritual practice. That experience inspired me to write this post—to encourage you, in your busy life, to embrace the spiritual benefits of resting and napping. It’s a practice I’ve learned to cherish, and one that can bring peace in the middle of life’s chaos.
Why Rest is Spiritually Important
As Christians, we are often reminded of the importance of rest in the Bible. From the very beginning, God rested on the seventh day, setting an example for us to follow. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to,
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
This shows us that rest is not just about sleep, but about finding comfort and rejuvenation in God’s presence.
For me, napping has become a way to follow this call for rest. Taking even 20 minutes in the middle of a hectic day allows me to reset my body and soul. It’s a brief escape from the chaos of daily life and an opportunity to reconnect with my faith. It’s a moment to pause, pray, and let go of the stresses that build up throughout the day.
The Science Behind Napping and Why It’s Good for You
Aside from the spiritual benefits, there’s solid science behind the idea that napping is good for you. Research has shown that a short nap can improve memory, boost creativity, and reduce stress. In fact, a study published by the National Institutes of Health found that a 20-minute nap can lead to better alertness and performance.
But for me, napping is more than just about boosting productivity. It’s about taking care of the body that God has entrusted to me. By resting, I’m not just physically recharging; I’m also taking time to pray, reflect, and ask for God’s guidance in whatever challenges lie ahead.
How to Make Napping a Spiritual Practice
Incorporating napping and resting into your spiritual life doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how I approach it:
- Set an Intention: Before lying down, I say a short prayer, asking for peace and rest. It helps me let go of whatever is weighing on my mind and focus on being present with God.
- Create a Calming Environment: Whether I’m in my living room or outside in the countryside, I make sure my space is quiet and comfortable. Sometimes, I’ll listen to calming hymns to help set the tone for peaceful rest.
- Keep it Short: A nap doesn’t have to be long to be effective. For me, 15-20 minutes is perfect. Anything longer can leave you groggy, while a short nap leaves you feeling refreshed.
- Reflect After Waking: After waking, I take a few minutes to thank God for the rest He provided. I reflect on any insights or clarity that came to me during the nap and ask for strength to face the rest of the day.
Rest Through Faith
Incorporating napping into your routine is about more than just catching up on sleep. It’s a way to take care of your body, refresh your spirit, and reconnect with God in the middle of a busy day. So, if you ever feel guilty about taking a break, remember that God calls us to rest. Taking that moment, whether through napping or simply sitting quietly in prayer, can help you find the peace and balance you need to live fully in His grace.
Watch My YouTube Video on Spiritual Rest Through Nature
If you’d like to explore how nature can help you rest spiritually, I’ve recently created a short video while walking in the woods, improvising a meditation over the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” It’s a beautiful way to connect with God through music and nature—perfect for your next nap or moment of reflection.
P.S.
In a world that constantly demands more from us, taking time to rest and reconnect with God is essential. Whether through a short nap, a peaceful prayer, or a moment of stillness in nature, these small acts of rest can renew both your body and your soul. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted—make rest a regular part of your spiritual practice and watch how it transforms your life.
Josh
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