Learning to Rest | You’ve Heard It Said Podcast

Rest and Sabbath: Pausing to Be Before You Do

Scripture References

• Mark 6:31
• Matthew 11:28-30

Overview

Rest isn’t optional or “extra”—it is a biblical command that shapes who we become and how well we serve others. In this conversation Abigail, Jason, and guest Josh Brower trace the journey from overwork (and even a near-burst appendix) to a rhythm of weekly Sabbath, daily boundaries, and longer breaks. Stories, practical tips, and a sourdough-bread illustration show that work plus rest accomplishes more than work alone, because true rest is an act of trust in God.

Themes

Why Rest Matters

• God models rest from the very beginning; the call appears before public worship gatherings ever existed.
• Jesus not only rested Himself but also invited His followers:

  “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

• Ignoring rest eventually shows up in the body (appendicitis, exhaustion) and in relationships (irritability, absentee leadership).

Understanding Sabbath

• “Sabbath” literally means to pause, cease, and rest.
• It is separate from the public gathering for worship; any 24-hour period can be kept holy by being different from work days.
• Keeping it holy = setting it apart and aligning with God’s design, just as “You shall not commit adultery” still stands.

Josh Brower’s Journey

• Story: Daughter born on a Saturday; Josh left the hospital to preach. A supervisor asked, “When’s the last time you took time off?”—and exposed a pattern of neglect.
• First step: simply taking one full day off each week, even imperfectly.
• Over years he identified what actually refreshed him: mental disengagement more than physical; intellectual curiosity unrelated to ministry; travel.
• Boundaries he now keeps:
  • Phone notifications off; true emergencies come by calls, not emails.
  • Clear expectations with coworkers and family.
• Result: healthier marriage, deeper presence with kids, better leadership—confirmed by wife Heather’s surprise voice message:

  “You’re more with us when you’re with us.”

Practical Ways to Rest

• Different people rest differently; a construction worker may need mental stimulation, a knowledge worker may need physical movement.
• Non-negotiables: pause the kind of work you’re paid to do, and make the day look and feel unlike the other six.
• Ideas mentioned: puzzles, watercolor painting, crocheting, travel, gym time (for some), watching a favorite show, “no-weekend” where every invitation gets a polite no.
• Longer breaks (vacations) follow the same principles—plan them, tailor them, and disconnect.

Challenges & Mindsets

• Perfectionism: wanting the “perfect” Sabbath can derail practice altogether.
• Control: rest feels risky because it admits “I’m not holding the world together.”
• Spiritual resistance: the enemy profits when we stay exhausted; expect push-back and keep adjusting boundaries.
• Remember: who I am precedes what I do—God introduces Himself as “I AM” before any action.

Illustration: Sourdough and the 20-Minute Rest

• Illustration: Baker Tim explains that inserting a short rest between kneading and rising lets the dough form stronger bonds, rise higher, and taste better. Work plus rest outperforms nonstop effort—exactly what Sabbath does for people.

Key Truths

• Rest is commanded; it carries the same weight as any other commandment.
• Sabbath is about being before doing—identity first, productivity second.
• Boundaries (time, tech, expectations) make rest possible and protect relationships.
• Different temperaments require different rest activities, but the pause itself is non-negotiable.
• Work plus intentional rest accomplishes more than work alone.

Response

• Schedule a 24-hour period this week and mark it “Sabbath—no work.”
• Disable non-emergency notifications for that period.
• Choose one life-giving, non-work activity and one practice of quiet or prayer.
• Discuss your boundaries with family, friends, or coworkers so they can support (and not sabotage) your rest.
• When the day ends, review how you felt and tweak for next week—progress over perfection.

Closing

Rest is an act of trust: when we pause, we declare that God—not our effort—holds everything together. It may feel awkward, messy, or interrupted at first, but incremental obedience leads to deep transformation. Remember Jesus’ invitation:

“Walk with me, work with me, watch how I do it… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Choose to pause, cease, and rest—your soul, your family, and even your work will rise higher because of it.