The Bible, Achievement & Rest
- lukeolly
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
We have our first author on the podcast! Ruth Page takes us through some of the highlights from her new book 'Too Busy to Stop?', asking how can we find balance between the drive to achieve and the need rest? Pulling from some of her own experiences and the regular cycles of rest built into the teachings of the Bible, in fact God liked the idea so much he made it one of the 10 commandments!
Best place to buy Too Busy To Stop
https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-health-wellbeing/emotional-health/too-busy-to-stop/
Further reading mentioned on the podcast:
Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer
Rest of God - Mark Buchanan
Walter Brueggemann - Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now
Finding Rest in a Busy World: Biblical Insights on Achievement and Sabbath
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the endless pursuit of achievement or wondered how to truly rest in the midst of a hectic life, you're not alone. Many of us are driven by a culture that values productivity above all else, often leaving little room for genuine rest and reflection. In this post, we'll explore how the Bible speaks to these issues—uncovering God's perspective on work, rest, and the importance of trusting Him. We'll delve into practical ways to align your life with biblical rhythms, helping you move from burnout to renewal. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple roles, or someone longing for deeper rest, understanding biblical principles can transform how you approach achievement and Sabbath. Let’s explore the spiritual insights and practical steps to find true rest in God's grace.
The Achievement Culture: Why We Strive and When It Becomes Too Much
Our modern society celebrates achievement—from academic awards and career milestones to social media likes and follower counts. But have you ever paused to ask: Is this constant drive for success sustainable or even healthy? Research and anecdotal stories reveal that many people, regardless of personality type, feel the pressure to excel at all costs. In the discussion with Ruth Page, author of Too Busy to Stop, she highlights the origins of achievement culture—tracing it back centuries but noting its rapid acceleration over the past 50 years. Factors like technological advances, social media comparisons, and societal expectations compound this drive. For example, the rise of social media has made it easier than ever to compare ourselves to others, measuring worth by likes, comments, or followers—a relentless metric that fuels stress. The culture promotes a transactional view: effort equals reward. But as Ruth explains, this view is flawed because achievement promises are inherently empty. No matter how much you accomplish, there's always an next milestone—be it earning more money, climbing higher, or gaining more approval. This cycle leads to exhaustion, frustration, and a sense of never enough.
Tip:
Recognize that your worth isn't rooted in what you achieve. The Bible reminds us through passages like Matthew 6:25-33 that God cares about our needs and values us far more than our accomplishments.
What the Bible Says About Rest and Achievement
Rest isn’t just about taking a break from busyness; it’s deeply tied to our relationship with God. The biblical concept of Sabbath, originating from the creation story in Genesis, shows God deliberately rested after His work—setting a pattern for human life. Ruth emphasizes that Sabbath is not just a day for leisure but a sacred space for relationship with God, an act of trust and surrender. Jesus’ teachings deepen this understanding. In Matthew 6, He addresses anxiety about provision and encourages seeking God's kingdom first. Verses like “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... Your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:25-33). This shifts the focus from relentless striving to trusting divine provision. The biblical Sabbath also incorporates rhythms of rest across years and seasons—land left fallow, debts forgiven, slaves freed after a set period—highlighting that rest is woven into God's design for creation. It underscores that rest is not laziness but an act of faith—trusting that God sustains us, whether in daily sleep or annual sabbaticals.
Action Point:
Incorporate biblical rhythms of rest into your life, such as one day a week dedicated to reflection, prayer, and trusting God’s provision.
Practical Ways to Embrace Rest in a Culture of Achievement
Changing our approach to rest and achievement requires intentional effort. Ruth recommends practical practices rooted in biblical tradition:
Practice Stillness:
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t just physical inactivity but a mental and spiritual surrender—letting go of control and trusting God's sovereignty.
Create Rituals:
Ruth suggests regular markers, like special meals or prayer times, that serve as physical reminders of God’s presence and the need for rest.
Use Prayers and Journaling:
Prayers like the “Examine,” reflecting on your day and inviting God’s guidance, help foster awareness and trust.
Establish Boundaries:
Ruth highlights the importance of setting limits, asking for help, and not over-responsibilizing oneself. Boundaries allow space for true rest and renewal.
Adopt Sabbath Practices:
Even if your tradition doesn’t emphasize a formal day off, you can allocate time each week dedicated solely to worship, reflection, and stillness—free from work-related tasks.
Interestingly, Ruth notes that Christians often lack a shared pattern of Sabbath rest, unlike Jewish traditions. Reclaiming this biblical rhythm can be a powerful act of spiritual resistance against a hyper-connected, achievement-driven culture.
Moving from Achievement to Trust: The Heart of Rest
The core biblical message is that our worth comes from God’s love and grace—not from what we produce. Jesus’ example and teachings remind us that striving for achievement cannot fill the emptiness inside. Instead, true rest is found in trusting God—knowing He cares for us, provides for us, and loves us unconditionally. Ruth reflects on her personal journey—her struggles with the achievement culture and her realization that resting in God’s care is a process. She emphasizes that rest involves letting go of the “inner poodle”—the needy side of us constantly seeking approval—and embracing God's acceptance. As Ruth puts it, “When we attach our self-worth to achievements, we enter a dangerous cycle of dependence on external validation.” True biblical rest is rooted in identity—not in success or failure but in being loved and accepted by God.
Key Verse:
Matthew 6:27 asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Trusting God frees us from anxiety and sets the stage for genuine rest.
Practical tip:
When feeling overwhelmed, pause and ask yourself: Am I resting in God’s care or trying to control everything? Use short prayers or breath prayers to re-center your focus on God’s sovereignty.
In Summary: Rest as a Spiritual Practice
Achieving a balanced life isn’t about doing more; it’s about trusting more. The Bible invites us to rest not as an escape but as a way of life—centered on relationship with God. By embracing biblical rhythms of work and rest, establishing practical routines, and shifting our focus from achievement to grace, we can find renewal amid busyness. Remember, your worth is rooted in God's love, not in your accomplishments. Rest in that truth, and let it transform how you live, work, and relate to others.For further reading, check out Ruth’s book Too Busy to Stop and because rest is a journey, start today—trust God, pause, and enjoy His presence.
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