Managing Anxietyنموونە

Leading with Rest

As men, we’re often seen as leaders—at work, at home, and even among friends.

The pressure to always have the answers and be the one others rely on can leave us feeling depleted.

Leadership doesn’t mean running on empty or ignoring your own need for renewal. True strength comes from leading with rest, rooted in God’s presence and power.

Men are such instinctive “doers” and “fixers” that we tend to easily fill our lives with non-stop action. We have to train ourselves to slow down and be intentional about hitting “pause” in the busyness of life. We need to learn to sit still for a moment, long enough to reflect on God’s goodness and presence in our lives.

In Psalm 46:10, God invites us to stop striving and “be still.” Stillness is not inactivity—it’s a deliberate pause to actively recognize that God is in control.

When we quiet ourselves before Him, we remember that it’s not all up to us. Resting in God allows Him to refresh your soul and realign your focus, equipping you to lead with wisdom and strength that come from Him, not your own reserves.

Stillness can be practiced in many ways, including some relaxation techniques that I learned in therapy. These techniques mirror the biblical principle of “being still” before God.

Sitting quietly without any phones or distractions keeps our minds focused. Taking deep breaths and actively seeking to release and relax your muscles helps you quiet your mind and body, preparing your heart to experience God’s peace. Seeking to calm your mind and “fix your eyes on Jesus” can bring peace to your soul.

These moments of physical rest reflect the spiritual rest God offers when we trust Him.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to lead from a place of rest. Help me to stop striving and be still in Your presence, trusting that You are in control. Renew my strength and give me the wisdom to lead with humility and reliance on You. Amen.

Reflection: How can you make intentional time today to pause and “be still” before God? Practice stillness for five minutes today, focusing on His promise to sustain and lead you.