REST FOR OUR SOULS
By Schuyler Brinson

On June 1, I stepped away from my regular routines and responsibilities and began a 3-month sabbatical—a time set aside for rest, renewal, and reflection. A sabbatical is an intentional pause from work, from the daily demands of ministry, and offers space to listen more closely to God, to care for one’s soul, and to reconnect with what truly matters. My hope is that these reflections encourage others to consider how rest—whatever form it takes—can be a sacred part of our spiritual journey.

As I entered into this time of sabbath, it was clear I needed to step away and unplug. I was tired, burned out, and weary. On day one, I turned off notifications, deleted my email account from my phone, and passed the baton to others who stepped in to lead the music ministry. At first, it was odd. Being still is hard for me. However, letting go of the need to be “plugged in” became easier, and I began to embrace a new rhythm.

Each day looked a little different, but most were marked by a slower, more intentional rhythm. Frequent walks became a kind of moving prayer—an opportunity to breathe deeply, notice the world around me, and let my thoughts settle. Books offered wisdom and perspective, sparking new ideas and reminding me of old truths. A simple cup of coffee became more than just a routine; it was a moment to pause, to savor, and to be fully present.

In that space of unhurried time, I found myself reflecting not just on the busyness of ministry, but on the faithfulness of God through these past 11 years at Geist Christian Church. Many things have changed—within the church, in the world, and in me. Without the usual pressures of schedules, meetings, and deadlines, I had room to remember, to give thanks, and to begin imagining what God might be calling me toward in the seasons ahead.

One of the practices I became intentional about during my sabbatical was spending time in God’s Word each day. Without the usual time constraints, I was able to sit with Scripture—not just read it quickly but truly dwell in it. One verse in particular kept surfacing: “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). I’ve read and heard sermons on this commandment many times, but in this season, it struck me in a deeper way.

Sabbath challenges the belief that everything depends on us—it invites trust. Trust that the world keeps spinning even when we stop, that our worth isn’t tied to our productivity, and that God meets us in our rest just as much as in our work. I began to see Sabbath not as an escape from life but as a way of returning to what is most true and essential. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a command, a gift, and a spiritual necessity.

In many ways, this time revealed how easy it is to neglect caring for my own soul in the midst of caring for others. The importance of self-care became more than just a concept—it became a lived experience. I learned that rest doesn’t make us less faithful or less committed; it actually renews our capacity to love, lead, and serve with greater clarity and joy. You can't pour from an empty cup, and this sabbatical gave me the space to be filled again.

After entering a season of rest that brought renewal rather than just relief, I began to wonder: Why do we so often wait until we’re exhausted or burned out to seek this kind of rest? Why do we treat rest like a reward for productivity, instead of a rhythm woven into the way we were created to live?

Jesus speaks directly into this struggle with a gentle, open invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

These aren’t just nice words for tough seasons. They’re an ongoing call to live differently. The kind of rest Jesus offers isn’t passive or self-indulgent. It’s deeply relational. It means laying down the belief that everything depends on us, and learning to walk in step with Him, even when life doesn’t slow down. It’s rest that reaches the soul.

So here’s the question I want to ask you: Where do you need rest—not just physically, but spiritually, and emotionally? What would it look like to carve out time, even in small ways, to care for your soul? To release the pressure to always perform, and instead learn to abide?

Rest is not just for those who can take a sabbatical. It’s for all of us. It might look like turning off your phone a little earlier. Or choosing to pause instead of pushing through. Or simply taking Jesus at His word—trusting that He really does meet us in our weariness, and that His way is lighter, gentler, and far more life-giving than the one we often demand of ourselves.

My sabbatical gave me the space to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to remember that rest is not something we earn—it's something we’re invited into. I return with a renewed sense of calling and a quieter, steadier heart. And while not everyone can step away for an extended time, I believe we all need moments of rest that reconnect us to what is most essential—God’s presence, our belovedness, and the grace that sustains us.

So maybe this is your invitation, too. Not to take a sabbatical—but to take a step. What’s one small way you can make space for rest this week? Maybe it’s five quiet minutes with your coffee before the day begins. Maybe it’s a walk without your phone. Or maybe it’s simply choosing to pause and breathe when the rush of life says, “keep going.”

Start there. Not because you’ve earned it, but because you’re loved. Because rest isn’t a reward for what you’ve done—it’s a reminder of who you belong to.