Rest as Resistance: Rising Above the Demands of the World

Everybody loves an underdog story. The small-town basketball team that defies the odds and beats the big-city rivals. A humble fellowship facing overwhelming darkness and saving their world. A ragtag band of rebels bringing down an empire.

In the most unexpected and subversive way, God invites us to be that little band of rebels—not fighting with weapons or power, but resisting something just as oppressive: the relentless hurry of life. The spoken and unspoken demands of work, family, friends, and even ourselves are wearing us down. We are running ourselves ragged.

It’s time to rise up and say, enough is enough.

We are human beings, not human doings.

Jesus made this clear in Mark 2:27-28:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

In Jesus’ time, the Sabbath had become a day burdened by rules and expectations rather than rest and renewal. But Jesus came to resist this distorted version of rest and reset things back to their proper order.

So how do we join Him in this resistance?

We rest. Truly rest.

Resisting the pressures of this world begins with choosing to rest. It means saying:

• No to the constant demands that steal our peace.
• No to the lie that productivity defines our worth.
• No to comparison and the exhausting chase to keep up.
• No to consumerism and the endless desire for more.
• No to distractions that disconnect us from what matters.
• No to the rush and hurry that rob us of presence.

The Sabbath isn’t about what God demands from you—it’s about what He wants for you.

God offers you a whole day to:

• Simply be rather than do, finding your true worth in Christ.
• Be His beloved child, knowing He delights in you—not for what you accomplish, but simply because you are His.
• Be in His presence, unhurried and undistracted.
• Be with the people you love, fostering deep connection.
• Be content, recognizing the blessings you already have.
• Be recharged, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Be present, free from the chaos of busyness.
• Be a rebel—resisting the relentless pressure of the world by embracing the gift of rest.

If rest is a form of resistance, then we must be intentional about it. Here’s how:

• Set Boundaries – Block out rest time on your calendar. Mark it as busy so you can confidently say, “No, I’m unavailable at that time.” Saying no to others allows you to say yes to rest.

• Be Intentional – Make a plan. It doesn’t have to be rigid, but think ahead about what will help you truly rest.
  • What connects you to God? (Prayer, time in nature, worship)
  • What recharges you? (Reading, sleeping in, slowing down)
  • What fosters connection with others? (Game nights, long talks, shared meals)
    
    
• Prepare Ahead – Set yourself up for success by taking care of practical needs in advance.
  • Do you need to tidy up the house the day before?
  • Should you prep food so meals are effortless?
  • Do you want to plan a simple outing or activity?
  • Is there a special drink, dessert, or treat you’d enjoy?

Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a radical act of defiance against a culture that glorifies busyness. If you want to resist the rush and embrace intentional rest, I’d love to help! Feel free to reach out: mheiden@cglchurch.org.

Let’s reclaim the rest God designed for us.