In Rest: Reflections On Sabbath Keeping

by Justin McRoberts

In this thin volume, Justin McRoberts brings his poignant and thoughtful brevity to the topic and practice of rest. Marked by precision and attentive care for words Justin has become known for as a writer and storyteller, In Rest is a companion for those seeking deeper joy.

Genres: Christian

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2024

About the author

Justin McRoberts is an author, coach, speaker, and songwriter. He is the author of six books, including the upcoming, Sacred Strides (May 2023).

For over 20 years, Justin has helped artists, ministers and entrepreneurs find their way. From the stage, though his stories in books or during coaching sessions, he leans on his years of work and expertise as a minister and artist to help individuals and teams solve problems in their creative processes.

When he’s not writing, speaking or coaching, you can find him as the host of the At Sea Podcast.

He lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area.

Reviews

[Wes Molebash · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a short read that delivers a nourishing spiritual recharge. I plan to read this book once a year to help keep me focused on the main things. I’m a longtime fan of Justin’s books and music, and this little volume is among his best work. Highly recommended.

[Corey Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin McRoberts has quickly become a kind and thoughtful companion on the journey of faith for me. His ability to articulate the mystery of God, with the accessibility of a friend and simplicity of a quick iPhone note (he posts a lot of poems in this style to his Instagram page), helps disrupt the noise and chaos of the world, and leaves me more susceptible to experiencing the nearness of God.

This collection was delightful. I have been working through these since mid-March, walking slowly with McRoberts words that threaten the structures of productivity and efficiency. Reading this whole work felt like a strategic, all-encompassing attack on the threat of hustle, noisiness, over-productivity, idolatry of work and performance and more. If you know me, you know these poems were like salt water continually washing out old wounds, and salve to ease the healing process of new and old scars.

Sitting with the idea of "rest" perpetually for almost four months straight has been a gift incapable to be described here. McRoberts reflections are a source of continual inspiration in my own journey of learning to hear the voice of God through the creative process, and allowing the works God is doing within me to result in some beautiful thing that may bring something of value to another's journey to His heart.

It only makes sense to end with a poem, the last of the work, that captures a sentiment I have been leaning into as of late:

All things are held together
by Divine Hands
more loving and skilled than mine.
I am one of the things
being held together
by those hands.

[Rebekah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic reminders of what rest does for us and why it’s important. Spend the hour it will take to read this book and soak it in. I absolutely loved it.

[Brett Shilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so much more than a book of poems about rest.

It is an instructive and interactive conversation with self and God. While it is “easy to read”, it’s far from an easy read. It challenges towards transformation of heart and mind and productivity posture.

I’ll keep this one within reach and constantly be returning to it in order to reset and rest.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profound. So much to sit with and think about.