Rest Time with God & What That Looks Like

Part 2 of 3

First things first. There is not a right or a wrong way to have rest time with God. Or quiet time. Or a getaway. Or a pursuit of Him. You can call it whatever you want to. We were all created uniquely, so our interaction and relationship with Him is all going to look different. What speaks to me may not speak to you.

I’ll let you in on a secret: that’s okay!!! Really, it is. God knows what speaks to your heart and how you most intimately interact with Him. And that’s not going to be the same thing for every single person. Also, because your life doesn’t look like mine your quiet time shouldn’t either. You might be a corporate exec. Or a wife. Or a mother of 7. Or single and caring for your aging parent. Whatever season of life you’re in, God wants you, beloved daughter.

Also, I’m not putting this out there to say, “Hey, look at me! Look at how spiritual/devoted/insert some other Christianese term I am!” That’s the farthest thing from the truth. I frequently get asked about what my rest times look like and how they got started. I take zero credit for any of this. It was all Him—in His infinite grace and mercy. I’m not here to tell you how to do it. I’m just here to give you some ideas to hopefully encourage you to pursue intentional time with Him.

I’m now in year 4 of intentionally creating space to rest with God. Thus far, after ten plus rest times with God, here’s what mine look like and how they’ve evolved. They’ve evolved because I’m not the same woman I was at that first meeting, and my relationship with God is also drastically different. As you go through different seasons, your rest time and needs will change too, as will your relationship with your Creator.

My first time with God, I stayed at a local hotel for two nights. Now, looking back, I just shake my head in amusement at how anxious that girl was at doing it right. If I could, I’d go back and tell myself, “Oh, my sweet beloved daughter, relax! It’s going to be okay. Really, it is.” I’ve also spent weeks in a cabin in the mountains totally secluded, in the midst of a bustling college town, and out in the rolling hills of horse country in a carriage house. In this season, if your only option is your bedroom closet or shower, that’s absolutely perfect. God knows right where to find you!

In all honesty, I probably took the most advice from some of the big names in the business world who took some form of getaways, creativity breaks, or brainstorming sessions. Here’s a few things I continue to use for every rest time:

1.     Plan ahead. Schedule the logistics—where you’ll eat or get groceries, where you’ll visit, etc. You don’t want to waste your time or mental energy trying to figure out where your next meal is coming from or where the best hiking spot is. You don’t have to plan everything, but at least have a list to choose from or a general idea.

2.     Focus your time. You don’t have to have every second of every day scheduled. At first, I was totally paranoid that I wasn’t giving enough to God or making the most of my time if I didn’t. But, now, it’s more about staying cognizant of His presence regardless of what I’m doing. It’s learning to be still and abide in Him, regardless of what I’m doing.

3.     Figure out what works for you. I’m a mountains girl, so I tend to gravitate towards these locations. That’s where I feel closest to Him. I can sit or hike or bike for hours just basking in the beauty of His creation, totally and utterly content. Basking in His beauty is worship, and it speaks to my soul. Find the places that speak to your soul.

4. Put your phone away. Disconnect as much as life will allow. Let your inner circle know you’ll be unavailable for chit chat. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, turn off social media, don’t check emails or the news, etc.

5. Take time to simmer down. If you’re anything like me, I need a little bit of time to disconnect, slow my breath, and focus in on the present. My thoughts are going at rapid pace, and they aren’t slowed in an instance. For me, diving into a book first thing helps slow and focus my mind. Figure out what helps you slow, be it yoga, a walk, music, or just sitting with your thoughts.

6.     Record/document your experience. Maybe you aren’t a writer or copious note taker like me, but take at least a few minutes at some point to record how God’s speaking to you. It’s always encouraging to look back on our own growth and God’s faithfulness. What are your big prayers? How have you seen Him answer your prayers? What scripture was meaningful to you? What insights did He reveal to you? How did you feel seen and loved?

Rest takes practice. It doesn’t come naturally to most of us. It didn’t come naturally to me. To say I crave this time alone with God is an absolute understatement. But that’s only because I’ve been intentional about cultivating the time. And learning. And growing. And pursing a relationship with my Lord and Savior.

And He has been incredibly gracious and patient with me in the process.

Stay tuned to Part 3 of this series next week to learn more about why you should create your own rest time.

 - Lani