Rest: Creating Space for Soul Refreshment

by Heather Nelson

God wants us to rest. In fact, he designed us to need to rest, and he commanded us to rest as an expression of our freedom as his people. So why do we have such a hard time pausing to find refreshment and renewed strength? Biblical counselor Heather Nelson diagnoses the patterns of thinking that lead us to reject rest and helps us, over thirty-one days, to develop a plan for rest that is biblical and tailored to our own specific context and needs.

Endorsements“I recommend this book to anyone who feels weary, tired, burned out, or uncertain about how to incorporate rest into daily life. You will be encouraged and convicted in the best way possible to change your relationship with rest and accept God’s good gift of Sabbath.”

—Esther Smith, Author, A Still and Quiet Mind

“Highly personal and full of hard-but-fair self-diagnostic questions, this devotional frames rest as freedom flowing from faith in our Creator. . . . Nelson acknowledges that resting well requires effort, but she makes a compelling case that restful refreshment from the Lord is worth it.”

—Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

“Heather Nelson’s book was just the tonic my soul needed. . . . Each day’s devotional brims with hopeful refreshment undergirded by a rich theology of an oft-neglected topic in the church.”

—Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling

“Rest is a book that helps you discipline yourself over a month to create habits that can enrich your life for years to come.”

—Brad Hambrick, Pastor of Counseling, The Summit Church, Durham, North Carolina

Genres: Devotional, Nonfiction, Counselling

1 pages, Audio CD

Published October 2, 2024

About the author

Hey there. My name is Heather and I wrote a young adult novel called The Albino Redwoods. It's my first book and I'm so excited to share it with you. I'm currently writing the sequel to The Albino Redwoods, still untitled, and I hope to finish it early next year.
I'm a reader first. I love reading, art and music. I'm a Zumba freak and a coffee junkie.

Reviews

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In quieting ourselves before God, we realize anew that our activity doesn’t earn or diminish his love for us. In bringing stillness to mind and body, we find the space to pray honestly and the strength to surrender what we cannot change.”

What does it truly mean to experience rest? In her 31-day devotional, Heather Nelson delves into the profound concept of Biblical rest as a divine gift bestowed by God to His people. Drawing upon her expertise as a Biblical counselor, Nelson encourages readers to examine ingrained thought patterns that may impede their ability to embrace true rest.

Through thoughtful reflections and practical exercises, she guides us in recognizing and dismantling these barriers, ultimately paving the way for a life characterized by trust and daily rhythms of rest.

This book is not just refreshing; it radiates hope, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to integrate more rest into their lives. It’s particularly beneficial for those who find it challenging to acknowledge their need for regular refreshment, both physically and spiritually.

Thank you P&R Publishing for this wonderful gifted book! I truly appreciate it.

[Caroline McGill · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - While this book contains many helpful meditations around rest and would be a good resource for many, I largely found myself disagreeing with the author (a sabbatarian) on her view of the sabbath, which makes up much of this book and highly influences her idea of rest. I think it’s still helpful and practical for someone who wants to think about rest, but I wish she had done a deeper dive into Hebrews and mainly the idea that for the Christian, Christ is our rest.

[Erin Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received "Rest" from my pastor at the end of last school year, and it was exactly what I needed after a long season of work and suffering. The devotionals are simple, practical, and deeply accessible—reminding you of truths you already know but often forget in the busyness of life. Each day gently encourages slowing down, pausing, and genuinely resting in God—reminding your soul what it means to be refreshed.

[Lianna Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

In keeping with the title, this was a relaxing and refreshing read. The devotional offered helpful, probing questions and valuable reflections. I especially appreciated the reference to God ministering to Elijah’s immediate and felt needs. Overall, I think the book accomplished its goal, even if I didn’t walk away with anything particularly profound or new.

[Natalia Rodriguez-Hilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this devotional reflection on rest. In the midst of so much busyness, it was helpful to remember the importance of rest physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It’s a way to honor God and place our trust in Him.

[Anne Dryburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rest: Creating Space for Soul Refreshment is a helpful 31-day devotional for people who are seeking to live balanced God-centered lives. It is a helpful book for people whose relationships are generally healthy and caring.

[OCD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well done devotional on rest and Sabbath.

[Wassenario · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived this little devotional. Excellent for 30 days of contemplating what rest could and should look like in my busy life. Still mulling over what this could all mean for me.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Refreshing and timely! I land different than the author on her view of sabbath but overall found this to be a helpful devotional.

"Rest is a mark of the freedom we have as God's people."

"Our present day practice of rest is a way to enjoy the benefits of redemption Christ has already won for us, while also increasing our hope in the full restoration that we have not yet experienced but that awaits us in heaven with God."

"Rest restores our joy and fruitfulness. When we rest, we proclaim to a weary world that a day is coming when all striving will cease for those who have been saved by God's gift of grace through Jesus. Rest strengthens us for our work until Christ comes again."