Press Pause: Cultivating Rest in a Busy Culture
Have you ever felt like life is speeding by faster than you can handle? Between school, work, activities, and responsibilities, it can feel impossible to slow down. Yet, God invites us into a different rhythm—a rhythm of rest. Jesus himself reminds us that rest isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential for our well-being. He calls to us gently, inviting us to pause, breathe, and find refreshment in His presence. When we intentionally press pause in our busy lives, we create space to experience God’s peace, renew our strength, and reconnect with each other. Let’s embrace this gift of rest, learning to live life at a pace that honors both God and ourselves.
Key Bible Verse (Memorize/Reflect)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Discussion Questions
Family Activity/Challenge
"Pause and Rest" Challenge: Choose one evening this week to turn off all screens (phones, TV, computers) and intentionally slow down together as a family. Play a simple game, go for a quiet walk, or enjoy reading a favorite story aloud. Finish the evening with prayer, thanking God for the gift of rest. This dedicated time of pause will help your family experience true rest and refreshment in God’s presence.
Have you ever felt like life is speeding by faster than you can handle? Between school, work, activities, and responsibilities, it can feel impossible to slow down. Yet, God invites us into a different rhythm—a rhythm of rest. Jesus himself reminds us that rest isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential for our well-being. He calls to us gently, inviting us to pause, breathe, and find refreshment in His presence. When we intentionally press pause in our busy lives, we create space to experience God’s peace, renew our strength, and reconnect with each other. Let’s embrace this gift of rest, learning to live life at a pace that honors both God and ourselves.
Key Bible Verse (Memorize/Reflect)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Discussion Questions
- Young Children (3-7 yrs):
- What makes you feel tired? How do you feel after a good rest? How do you think resting with God can make you feel?
- Older Kids (8-12 yrs):
- Why do you think rest is important to God? What are some ways you can pause during your week to feel closer to Him?
- Teens (13-18 yrs):
- What makes it hard to slow down or rest in your life right now? How could intentionally resting change the way you feel or react to situations?
- Adults:
- What barriers keep you from truly resting? How can you practically create moments of pause this week to reconnect with God and your family?
Family Activity/Challenge
"Pause and Rest" Challenge: Choose one evening this week to turn off all screens (phones, TV, computers) and intentionally slow down together as a family. Play a simple game, go for a quiet walk, or enjoy reading a favorite story aloud. Finish the evening with prayer, thanking God for the gift of rest. This dedicated time of pause will help your family experience true rest and refreshment in God’s presence.