The Heart of Rest

There’s something I’ve been processing deeply with the Father lately that I felt led to share with you today.It’s about rest—true, divine rest—and what it means to not only rest in Him but to actually live and operate from that place of rest in our daily lives.

The Heart Check

Over a month ago, I had a profound encounter with the Father. During this time, He began gently revealing the true condition of my heart by asking me this penetrating question:

“What are you truly seeking?”

We often say we want God above all else, but when we search inwardly, we sometimes discover that other desires have taken up space at the core of our hearts.

The Father highlighted three specific things that were deeply rooted in me. I tried to brush them aside so I could “focus on Him,” but He lovingly persisted in bringing them to the surface.

I realized He wasn’t asking because He didn’t know—He was revealing the contrast between what I was claiming to want and what was actually there.Until I surrendered those things, I couldn’t enter into that place of genuine rest.

What True Rest Looks Like

This kind of rest isn’t about physical relaxation or taking a day off. It’s about being with Him, enjoying His presence, and finding contentment there—regardless of circumstances or whether our desires are met.

It’s choosing the Father for who He is, not for what He can give.

After that encounter, I began to notice something shift. I felt drawn to Him more deeply than ever before. I wanted to spend time just being, just abiding—no agenda, no performance. Just presence.

The Practical Test

During this season, I was enrolled in a demanding class—three major assignments every week, plus a final project.

As a mom with limited time, I honestly couldn’t see how I’d manage it all.

Then something unexpected happened. I’d feel the Father drawing me to spend time with Him—right when I “should” have been working. Instead of resisting, I chose to respond to that gentle pull.

To my surprise, the more time I spent just being with Him, the more efficiently I completed my work.

What should have taken me days began to take just a few hours.

I’d glance over an assignment early in the week, and then be drawn into His presence for days.

But on the morning it was due?

Clarity. Flow. Direction.

The Holy Spirit would whisper:

“Add this point.”

“Reference this source.”

“Tweak this paragraph.”

And everything came together—with ease.

The Critical Moment

Then came the real test.

I fell terribly ill—fever, flu, completely out—for an entire week.This was just two weeks before the end of the term. I had missed assignments and still had a major final project to complete.

As the deadline approached, anxiety crept in.

My instinct? Push through. Pull all-nighters. Work in my own strength.

But I recognized that anxious energy—it meant I had stepped out of rest.So instead, I took two hours just to worship and be with Him, until I felt that inner release and returned to peace.

What happened next still amazes me:

• Monday: I completed all missed assignments in 3 hours.

• Tuesday: I finished all current week’s work.

• Wednesday–Saturday: I completed my final project—with time to spare.

The Unexpected Result

Not only did I turn everything in on time, but my professor gave me an A and asked to use my project as a template for future classes.

She noted that I had provided exceptional content beyond what was required.

Looking back, the difference was clear:In past terms, I worked from anxiety and exhaustion.This time, I worked from rest—and the results were better, faster, and more peaceful.

The Invitation

This whole experience brought Matthew 6:33 to life:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

When we seek Him—not His hand, but His heart—everything else truly falls into place.Not always on our timeline, but in His perfect way.

Letting go of control makes room for God to move.Resting in Him means handing it all over and trusting that He knows, He sees, and He cares.And when we trust Him, we stop striving—and start walking in supernatural ease.

My Encouragement to You

Beloved, I encourage you:Enjoy being with the Father.

Search your heart honestly.Do you truly desire Him for who He is—or for what He can provide?

Be real. Be raw. Be willing to surrender.

When you begin to pursue Him for the joy of His presence, you’ll discover this beautiful truth: Everything else you need and desire will be accomplished—without the anxiety, hustle, or stress.

As He brings matters to your attention, you’ll handle them with grace and supernatural ease.

So seek Him. Long for Him. Rest in Him.

Not for the outcome—but for the intimacy.

You’ll find that everything else flows right into place, often with minimal effort on your part.

What has your journey with rest looked like?

I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below 💬

With Love,

Yika 💕