What if the secret to finding true rest isn’t in finishing your to-do list but in rethinking how you define yourself?
Do you find it hard to rest because your worth feels tied to your productivity? In this episode, we’ll talk about the anxiety that arises when we base our identity on what we do—and how God invites us into a better way. You’ll discover biblical truths that remind us our identity is rooted in God, not our work. We’ll explore practical steps to embrace rest as a gift, work from a place of peace, and break free from numbing behaviors that distract us from His presence.
Resources and Links:
Discussed in this episode:
- An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling (affiliate link)
- You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be by Holley Gerth (affiliate link)
Find links to listen and subscribe to The Heart Rest Podcast with Crystal Storms at HeartRestPodcast.com.
Rooted in Rest: Redefining Identity Beyond What You Do
What if true rest isn’t found in finishing your to-do list but in embracing who you are in Christ?
The Restless Struggle
I’ve been there—sitting in my favorite chair, hoping to soak in God’s peace, only to feel my thoughts race. I’d notice the crooked picture on the wall, the dust on the shelf, or the coaster that still needed fixing.
Instead of finding rest, I’d spiral into guilt: Why haven’t I straightened that picture? Am I failing as a steward of my home?
To escape the overwhelm, I’d scroll Pinterest, binge-watch a show, or swipe through reels. But none of it brought true rest. Can you relate?
God’s Design for Rest
Genesis 2:2 reminds us:
“By the seventh day God completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work.” (HCSB)
God, who holds the universe in His hands, rested—not because He needed to but to model the rhythm He designed for us.
Here’s the beautiful truth:
We weren’t created to finish everything before we rest. God invites us to work from rest, not to earn it.
On the sixth day, God created humanity. On the seventh, He invited them into His rest. This divine rhythm reminds us that rest is sacred, not a reward for our accomplishments.
Redefining Identity: Who You Are in Christ
For years, I believed my worth was tied to what I accomplished. That belief kept me trapped in a cycle of striving. But when I rooted my identity in God’s love instead of my performance, I found freedom.
Alan Falding, in An Unhurried Life (affiliate link), writes:
“We err when we try to establish our identity through our work rather than realizing that our identity is shaped and strengthened in the place of Sabbath rest and then expressed in our work.”
When we embrace who God says we are, we can:
- Rest in His presence.
- Experience the peace of His embrace.
- Breathe in who He is and exhale the burdens of striving.
Deuteronomy 33:12 beautifully declares:
“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields [her] all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.”
Rest Is a Gift
Rest isn’t something you earn; it’s a gift from God. Hebrews 4:10 says:
“For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.”(NLT)
God offers us rest as a gift of grace. When we stop striving to prove our worth, we can fully embrace the rest He provides.
3 Truths to Anchor Your Heart
To live rooted in rest, remember these truths:
- God’s Design for Rest
God calls us to work from rest, not for rest. Rest is a rhythm He established for our good. He blessed the seventh day and declared it holy (Genesis 2:3). Rest is a sacred rhythm, not a reward. - Your Identity in God
Your worth isn’t tied to your performance but to being God’s beloved child. Deuteronomy 33:12 beautifully reminds us:
“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields [her] all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.” (personalized) - Rest as a Gift
Rest is not earned; it’s freely given by a loving Father. Hebrews 4:10 says,
“For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.” (NLT)
We rest by remembering God’s design for rest, our identity in God, and rest as a gift. Our identity is established by God, not our performance.
Practical Next Steps
If you’re ready to embrace rest as God’s gift, start by reflecting on these questions:
- What beliefs about work and rest do you need to surrender?
- How can you root your identity in Christ instead of your accomplishments?
To help you on this journey, I’ve created a free resource: the Identity in Christ Reflection Guide. This downloadable workbook is filled with Scripture prompts and journaling exercises to deepen your understanding of who you are in Him.
Question to Journal or Contemplate
What beliefs about work and rest do you need to surrender to fully embrace your identity in Christ?
Final Encouragement
As Holley Gerth writes in You’re Already Amazing (affiliate link):
“You don’t have to hustle for your worthiness. It’s already yours because you are loved by God.”
Friend, true rest comes when we keep first things first and entrust the rest into His hands. May you rest close to His heart and live from His peace.
Let’s Connect!
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