Embracing Rest and Authentic Connection with God
Summary
Busyness has become a badge of honor in our culture, especially during the summer when our calendars fill up with family gatherings, vacations, and endless activities. Yet, beneath the surface, this constant motion often leaves us feeling exhausted, disconnected, and pressured to keep up with others—sometimes even at the expense of our own well-being and relationships. God never intended for us to live this way. Instead, God invites us to a life of balance, rest, and authentic connection—with Him, with ourselves, and with those around us.
From the very beginning, God wove rest into the fabric of creation, commanding us to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. This isn’t just about following a rule; it’s about recognizing our need to pause, to breathe, and to be present. Jesus Himself modeled this rhythm, regularly stepping away from the crowds and the demands of ministry to spend time alone with God. If Jesus, with only three years to accomplish His earthly mission, made time for rest and prayer, how much more should we?
Our culture often encourages us to perform, to present a curated version of ourselves—whether online or in person. But God isn’t interested in our performances. He desires our real, unfiltered selves. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against being like the actors—hypocrites—who put on a show for others. Instead, we are called to authentic relationship, to show up as we are, and to make space for God in the quiet, ordinary moments of our lives.
The story of Henri Nouwen reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from busyness or public acclaim, but from prioritizing our relationship with God and with those we are called to love. Like trapeze artists, we must learn to quiet our minds, to be present, and to risk vulnerability—trusting that God and our community will catch us when we leap. When we clear away the clutter of busyness, we make room for wonder, adventure, and the deep connections that God created us for.
This summer, let’s resist the pull of constant activity. Let’s reclaim rest, embrace authenticity, and open ourselves to the new things God wants to do in and through us. In doing so, we’ll find that our relationships—with God, with others, and with ourselves—grow stronger, deeper, and more joyful.
Key Takeaways
- Rest is a Divine Priority, Not a Luxury
God’s command to honor the Sabbath is not just a suggestion but a recognition of our deep need for rest. When we neglect rest, we risk losing touch with God, with ourselves, and with those we love. True Sabbath is about intentionally setting aside time to be present, to enjoy God’s creation, and to reconnect with what matters most. [03:12]
- Authenticity Over Performance
God is not impressed by our ability to put on a spiritual show or to keep up appearances for others. Jesus calls us to bring our true selves before God, to pray honestly, and to live authentically rather than performing for approval. In the quiet places of our lives, God meets us as we are, not as we pretend to be. [05:30]
- Jesus Modeled Rhythms of Rest and Connection
Even with the weight of His mission, Jesus regularly withdrew to pray and be with God, showing us that spiritual vitality flows from time spent in God’s presence. If Jesus needed this rhythm, so do we. Our effectiveness and joy in life are directly tied to our willingness to pause and seek God. [06:04]
- Prioritize What Matters Most
Henri Nouwen’s example teaches us to center our lives around our relationship with God and those we are called to love, fitting everything else around these priorities. This may require saying no to good things in order to say yes to the best things. When we live from this center, we experience deeper fulfillment and freedom. [08:42]
- Vulnerability and Presence Open Us to God’s Adventure
Like trapeze artists, we must quiet our minds, let go of distractions, and be willing to risk trying new things—even if it means failing in front of others. When we are rested and present, we are more open to God’s invitations to wonder, adventure, and deeper connection. Vulnerability is not weakness; it is the doorway to growth and joy. [10:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Guided Breathing and Letting Go
[01:44] - The Culture of Busyness
[02:30] - Social Media and the Pressure to Perform
[03:12] - God’s Plan for Rest: The Sabbath
[04:45] - Jesus’ Rhythm of Rest and Prayer
[05:30] - Authenticity in Our Relationship with God
[06:04] - Making Time for God Amidst Busyness
[07:10] - Private Devotion vs. Public Performance
[08:42] - Henri Nouwen’s Story: Prioritizing Relationships
[09:30] - Lessons from Trapeze Artists: Focus and Vulnerability
[10:30] - Making Space for New Adventures
[11:48] - Rest, Justice, and Living with Passion
[12:30] - Invitation to Rest and Authentic Connection
[13:00] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Reclaiming Rest and Authentic Connection
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### Bible Reading
Exodus 20:8-11 (ESV)
> “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)
> “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Exodus 20, what are the specific instructions God gives about the Sabbath?
2. In Matthew 6, what does Jesus say about how we should pray, and how does He contrast this with the behavior of the “hypocrites”?
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus regularly took time away from the crowds to pray and be with God. What are some examples from the sermon of how Jesus modeled rhythms of rest and connection? [04:45]
4. What story did the pastor share about Henri Nouwen, and what choices did Nouwen make to prioritize relationships over busyness? [08:42]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God made rest such a high priority that it became one of the Ten Commandments? What does this say about God’s understanding of our needs? [03:12]
2. What does it mean to be “authentic” in our relationship with God, as opposed to performing for others? How does this relate to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6? [05:30]
3. The sermon suggests that busyness can disconnect us from God, ourselves, and others. In what ways might constant activity actually harm our spiritual and relational health? [01:44]
4. How does the example of Henri Nouwen challenge our culture’s view of success and fulfillment? What does his story suggest about what matters most in life? [08:42]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor invited us to pause, breathe, and let go of the weight of busyness at the start of the sermon. When was the last time you intentionally paused to rest? What did you notice about yourself in that moment? [00:45]
2. God commands us to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. What would it look like for you to set aside a regular time each week for true rest and connection with God? What obstacles might get in the way, and how could you address them? [03:12]
3. The sermon talked about the pressure to perform or present a “curated” version of ourselves, especially on social media. Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to perform rather than be authentic? How could you take a step toward greater authenticity this week? [02:30]
4. Jesus made time for rest and prayer even with a busy schedule. What is one practical way you could follow Jesus’ example and create space for God in your daily or weekly routine? [06:04]
5. Henri Nouwen chose to center his life around his relationship with God and caring for others, even if it meant saying no to other good things. Is there something in your life you might need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to what matters most? [08:42]
6. The sermon used the image of trapeze artists who must quiet their minds and risk vulnerability. Is there a new step of faith, adventure, or vulnerability that you sense God inviting you to take? What would it look like to trust God and your community to “catch” you? [10:30]
7. When you think about your summer plans, how can you intentionally resist the pull of constant activity and make room for rest, wonder, and deeper connection—with God, with others, and with yourself? [12:30]
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Devotional
Day 1: Honoring the Sabbath—God’s Gift of Rest
God’s command to honor the Sabbath is not just a rule, but a loving invitation to step away from the relentless pace of life and embrace rest, reflection, and connection. Taking a day each week to pause, enjoy God’s presence, and spend time with loved ones is a way to realign our priorities and remember that our worth is not measured by our productivity. When we intentionally set aside time for rest, we acknowledge our dependence on God and allow our bodies, minds, and spirits to be renewed. This rhythm of rest is woven into creation itself and is essential for living as the people God created us to be. [04:45]
Exodus 20:8-10 (ESV)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.”
Reflection: What would it look like for you to truly set aside one day this week for rest, worship, and connection—with no agenda except to be present with God and those you love?
Day 2: Authenticity in Prayer—Being Real with God
God is not interested in performances or outward displays of spirituality; He desires honest, authentic relationship. Jesus warns against being like the “hypocrites”—actors who put on a show for others—reminding us that God wants us to come as we are, with our true selves, in prayer and in life. Whether you are praying in a quiet room, while doing chores, or simply enjoying a sunrise, God values your presence and your honest words. You don’t need fancy language or a perfect routine; just show up and share your heart. [06:04]
Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel pressure to “perform” spiritually, and how can you intentionally bring your real, unfiltered self to God in prayer this week?
Day 3: Making Time for What Matters Most
In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s easy to let the most important relationships—our connection with God and with others—get crowded out by endless activity. True spiritual formation happens when we prioritize what matters most, fitting everything else around our relationship with God and those He’s placed in our lives. Like Henri Nouwen, who reoriented his life around caring for another and being present with God, we are invited to make space for what is truly life-giving, even if it means saying no to lesser things. [08:42]
Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)
“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’”
Reflection: What is one activity or commitment you can set aside this week to make more room for time with God or a loved one?
Day 4: Embracing Vulnerability and Newness
Setting aside busyness creates space for wonder, adventure, and vulnerability—qualities that allow us to experience God’s new things. Like trapeze artists who must clear their minds and risk failure to soar, we are called to be present, to try new things, and to trust God and others to catch us when we fall. When we are less consumed by the need for approval or constant activity, we become more open to God’s invitations to step into the unknown and to grow. [11:48]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Reflection: What is one new thing—big or small—that you sense God inviting you to try, and how can you make space in your life to step into it?
Day 5: Rest as the Foundation for Justice and Passion
When we are rested and connected to God, our hearts are more open to justice, compassion, and the passions God places within us. Rest is not just for our own benefit; it empowers us to care for others, to resist the pull of approval addiction, and to live with purpose. God’s design is for us to thrive—not just survive—so that we can love deeply, serve boldly, and pursue the things that matter most in His kingdom. [11:48]
Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Reflection: How does your level of rest affect your ability to care for others and pursue God’s calling, and what practical step can you take this week to nurture both rest and justice in your life?
Quotes
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