Rest, Wait, Learn, Renew: These are Actions
I recently read about someone who had to learn how to rest, wait, learn, and renew by being still for a period of time due to a medical condition. It made me wonder: What would I do if faced with doing “nothing”? Would the inactivity drive me crazy, or could I discover purpose within it? How could I embrace resting, waiting, learning, and renewing as this person did?
What’s fascinating is that all these words—resting, waiting, learning, renewing—are verbs. A verb is typically seen as a word that describes an action, state, or experience. Yet, these particular actions seem passive at first glance. But are they really?
When we delve deeper, we realize that even in our stillness, we are actively participating in something profound.
1. Resting: Rest is not just being inactive; it’s a deliberate act of restoration—of strength, health, and energy. True rest, especially rest for the soul, can only be accomplished through Christ Jesus. Isaiah 40:31 beautifully captures this: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” In this sense, resting is the action of revival.
2. Waiting: Waiting is not simply passing time; it’s remaining in readiness for God’s purpose. Psalm 27:14 encourages us: “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Through waiting, we intentionally prepare ourselves for the next opportunity God presents. It’s a time of strengthening and readiness.
3. Learning: Learning involves gaining knowledge and skills, often through study, experience, or being taught. When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word—through study, listening to sermons, or spending time with God—we are transformed. Romans 12:2b reminds us: “…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
4. Renewing: To renew is to bring new life, strength, or energy—to revive. Psalm 51:10 expresses this beautifully: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.” Renewal is about revival, about being brought back to life.
When we rest, wait, learn, and renew, our spirits are rejuvenated, filled with new strength. By spending time with the Lord and immersing ourselves in His Word, we are purposefully engaging in these actions, even in our stillness.
The next time you find yourself feeling like you’re doing “nothing,” remember that this season has a purpose. Don’t just wait—wait with intention. Ask God to strengthen you, prepare you, teach you, and renew your spirit. Spend this time resting in His presence, learning from His Word, and allowing Him to revive you. Embrace the stillness, knowing that God is at work within you, even when you are simply being still.
2 thoughts on “I Choose Today to Rest with Purpose”
This is such a good reminder of how God uses every season in our lives – even those that seem unproductive. In my life, over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to learn what it means to rest, to wait, to lean into what God is telling me and to wait for His answers. He is such a faithful God to give us time to rest in Him, to renew our strength and to find answers for our journey in life.
This was encouraging, as sometimes its hard to wait, as we pray wait, & wait, for those loved ones to surrender to Christ.
Well said. 🥰