Single and Not Sorry: Devotions of Real Encouragement for Right NowSample

Soul Rest

And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

EXODUS 33:14 ESV

We all long for some good R&R—rest and relaxation. But did you know that there is a difference between relaxing and resting? Most of the time, relaxing looks something like turning on your favorite sitcom after a long day, scrolling social media while you lounge on the couch, or doing a puzzle while a podcast plays in the background. All of these things can also be restful, but too often we use these activities to redirect our brains, unplug from our lives, and zone out.

In contrast, time spent resting rejuvenates you and tunes you back into yourself and your needs, re-energizing your soul because it was time spent connecting with your innermost self and with God. Restful activities may look more like sitting on a bench in a park watching the birds, taking a long and much-needed nap over the weekend, or reading your Bible. As a single woman, now is the perfect time to discover what activities give your soul rest. Life will only get busier, and connecting with yourself and God through soul rest now can become a rhythm you carry through all of your days. No matter your relationship status, your soul is always in need of rest.

God has promised to give us rest. We can participate in this promise by finding outlets and activities that fill our souls and draw us back to Him. How can you determine if you’ve found an outlet for soul rest? Listen to your body. If you feel refreshed, renewed, or re-energized, then that may be the perfect new addition to your self-care toolbox.

Right Now Reminder:

God wants to give you rest. Find an activity (or lack of activity) this week that fills you up and makes you feel like yourself again.