In a world that glorifies productivity, it can feel counterintuitive to slow down—especially during seasons of frustration and transition. When things aren’t moving as quickly as we want or when our efforts seem fruitless, the instinct is often to push harder, strive more, and force results. Yet, in doing so, we risk exhausting ourselves further, pouring from an empty cup with nothing left to give.
What if the lack of progress you’re experiencing is not a call to do more, but a divine invitation to do less?
The Trap of Forcing Progress
When you’re in a period of uncertainty—whether it’s waiting on a career breakthrough, clarity in a relationship, or direction for your next step—it’s easy to believe that increased effort will yield faster results. You may pray harder, network more aggressively, or throw yourself into your work. But when nothing changes, frustration builds.
It’s in these moments that rest feels illogical. Rest can seem like giving up or falling behind. Yet, the opposite is true. Constant striving can block you from receiving the very answer or opportunity you’ve been seeking. Your own noise—the endless mental chatter, the busyness, and the frantic efforts—can drown out the still, small voice of wisdom guiding you.
Maybe You’re Too Loud
We live in a “work loud” generation—a culture that equates visibility with value and busyness with importance. But maybe that’s the problem. You’re too loud to hear the answer. Too distracted to recognize when the door you’ve been knocking on is quietly opening.
In scripture, God often spoke in whispers. Elijah didn’t hear Him in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). That same principle applies today. If you’re too busy striving, you might miss the whisper of direction, assurance, or the unexpected blessing God is preparing.
Rest as an Act of Trust
Rest doesn’t mean inactivity—it means intentional stillness. It’s a spiritual posture of trust that says, “I’ve done my part; now I release the outcome.” When you rest, you acknowledge that your human effort has limits and that some things require divine timing.
Rest can look like:
• Physical rest: Prioritizing sleep, nourishing your body, and releasing physical tension.
• Mental rest: Stepping away from overthinking, reducing screen time, and allowing your mind to breathe.
• Spiritual rest: Spending quiet time in prayer, meditation, or reflection without seeking answers—just being present.
The Answer Often Comes in Stillness
If you’ve been in a season of striving with no results, maybe God is telling you to stop. Not because you’re being denied, but because the answer is already on its way—or because something better is coming. When you pause, you create space for clarity, renewal, and divine alignment.
In the stillness, you may discover that the solution was never in your striving—it was in your surrender. So, if you’re weary, consider this your permission to rest. Let go. Be still. And trust that even in your resting, God is still working.