Why Choosing Rest Over Hustle Changed My Life—and How It Can Change Yours Too

Showing up in spaces that don’t value slowing down has been a struggle for me. I can’t be the only one who feels this tension. There’s this constant pressure to be “on” all the time, to create, to perform, and to keep up with the relentless pace of the world. But in the midst of it all, there’s a quiet, persistent pull towards rest—a desire to be present with the people right in front of me, to embrace the quiet, to simply be.

The art of being has been replaced by the art of doing. But God is showing me that in the moments of rest, I am receiving what I need the most. When I consume less, when I slow down and turn my focus to Him, His voice becomes undeniably clear. He downloads fresh, new ideas in me. He whispers things that I can now receive because I’ve spent more time in intimate connection with Him. It’s in the quiet moments that I begin to see Him in everything around me.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

The peace that used to elude me now fills every space. In situations that once would have shaken me, I now find stillness.

To anyone reading this who feels like I do—who has struggled with showing up and performing when your heart longs for rest and presence—please know this: sometimes God just needs you for Himself. Even if it’s only for a little while, He desires to pour into you so that you can overflow with what He’s placed inside of you. There is no pressure to perform in His presence. You don’t have to worry about what’s trending or how much you can entertain Him. With God, there is no rush. His timing is perfect, and when He provides, you will not lack.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

I want to encourage you to embrace the stillness. In that space, you’ll find clarity, peace, and intimacy with God that can never be replicated in the hustle. You’ll discover that where God leads, there is no need to rush—only the sweet freedom of knowing He has you exactly where you need to be.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)