Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life. Return to Sabbath.

by Curtis Zackery

In the midst of a cacophony of noise, finding true soul rest is nearly impossible.

With so many responsibilities and distractions vying for our attention, too many of us have built unhealthy cycles of rest. As a result, we burn ourselves out, striving and straining against God's intent for our lives. We can only sustain a life of purpose if we learn to truly rest.

In Soul Rest , Curtis "CZ" Zackery reveals how our misaligned view of rest has its roots in an identity that is out of rhythm with God. Taking steps toward understanding Sabbath in the way that God intends can dynamically affect every aspect of our lives. This thoughtful reflection on rest calls us to the hard work of self-examination, helping us move towards a purposeful and sustainable life with Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Spirituality, Discipleship

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2018

Reviews

[Sean Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I loved his heart behind the whole book. This would be great for any believer, but especially for someone who is stressed, anxious, busy, tired or feel like their life is a bit out of their control. Full of stories, great illustrations and an autobiographical thread running throughout. I know Curtis just enough to know he is a good guy with a great heart and it shows in his first book.

[Nikki Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a twist!

I have to admit, in the beginning, I thought it was a slow start and I was anxious to get more into the meat of sabbath and soul rest and his personal story. Similar to other self-help books, I expected this to be structured in such a way, that there would be a chapter or two that focused on the why (large scale and the author’s personal why) and defining soul rest and sabbath to set up the book, then the proceeding chapters would be more practical steps to observe sabbath and incorporate more meaningful rest in your life—walking us through the author’s or their clients/friend’s actual application. When I found myself growing impatient in getting to the practical application of observing the sabbath and finding rest, I decided to let go of my expectations and journey to where the author was taking me. I’m so glad I did!

This book addresses so much more than what we may traditionally correlate with “soul rest” and sabbath. It is a comprehensive look at several issues we may struggle with mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This book is about Jesus, it’s about the good news—the freedom and rest we have in Christ’s finish work—and the many facets of life and identity that it has implications for. The author does not get into the intimate details of his own story, rather relies on a high-level description, analogies, and tons of references to other books and quotes from other Christian teachers and author’s he admires. Even this disappointed me at first, until I found the beauty in the fact that by writing in this way, it makes the entire focus of the book Jesus, not him or any one person.

This book was phenomenal! I had so much revelation from scriptures that I’ve read plenty of times. I also now have a list of other books he referenced that I might be interested in. Ultimately, this book is a phenomenal read if anything is troubling you—be it loss, transitions, trying to figure out your next steps, overworking, being achievement-driven, heartbreak, attachment to social media and comparison, life. I especially recommend this for anyone who is currently in a transition or considering a transition (location, vocation, ministry, parenting, etc.). If you are looking for a focused deep-dive on sabbath and modern-day applications, you may want consider another book.

[Heather Bottoms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zachery shares his own experiences of struggling to find true rest in Jesus, and through that vulnerability, he gives us permission and encouragement to examine our own lives. He reminds us of our identity in Christ, and the ways Jesus can empower us when we rest in Him. The reader is encouraged to remember that seasons of crisis can be times of healing and sharpening in the hands of a loving God.

This would be a wonderful choice for a small group of any kind and would inspire deep discussion. Highly recommend.

[Leanne Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissection of the soul

Reading this book felt like a dissection of the soul. It was not a comfortable read but still a necessary one. Zackery shares much of his own journey and the theology and wisdom he developed from allowing God to put His fingerprints on the hidden places of his life that were causing him to be out of rest with God. It's true. Only God can provide true rest.

[Steve Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strictly, this is a 3.5/5 book (wish I could give half-ratings!). It’s good, but the first half was strongest (on the Why), while the second half ended up speaking to slowing one’s soul down (commendable nevertheless) rather than the practical rhythms of a day, week, month or year. Still, a beneficial read but needs others alongside it.

[Amanda Rodden · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book had some really great points, I kept finding myself getting lost throughout the narrative as to how it related to rest. I was hoping for an actionable and tactical perspective on rest in modern day culture and a clearer understanding of how we can adopt the Sabbath in order to return to it.

[Pamela T · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, this book is a slow burn at first. I read it with my small group and would have loved a study guide, too. I would recommend for everyone either going through hardship, needing rest, or just searching and they aren't sure what for. I like have CZ points back to the Bible and this isn't just a self help book.

[Amy Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple Truths

As a seasoned reader of Christian literature, I found this book to be well written and an easy read for a Christian. It may be just a tad bit overdone with phrasing and vocabulary common in conversations with other believers. A nonbeliever may find it off putting.

[pianogal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I thought it offered some decent insights into Soul Rest. My only complaint is that it maybe focused too much on the author's personal life, but I get it. He was using that to teach. Ok, fine. Overall, I really enjoyed it and thought it was a good kick off to my Lenten reading.

[Jillian Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely overview on Christ’s gift of rest. Giving lots of whys and how’s and personal anecdotes. He uses lots of quotes from some really deep Christian thinkers on the subjects as well. I loved the rhythm chapter at the end of the book and will revisit it for sure.

[Erin Moffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 - this book has good principles and I enjoyed reading it. But given the subtitle, I expected it to focus more thoroughly on sabbath, and I found it to be more about general Christian living. Parts were repetitive and it could have been about 50 pages shorter.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Surface level material. There are better books on grace with deeper revelation of the freedom we have in Christ. Author seems to still be bound up by a lot of performance and human expectations.

[Torre' Kaough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The breakdown of what the Sabbath meant was terrific. He told it as a follow-along to his journey of finding it out. But, To me personally, it felt like somewhat of a tutorial. I would have liked more of a devotional attachment; discussing the book is a must.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Felt challenged and encouraged to explore more about Sabbath. Looking forward to the practical application Curtis Zackery lays out in the book.

[Brandon Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I highly recommend this book to all people of God. Zackery gives practical advice on entering into the rest and peace of God and gives his own experiences.

[Kathy Mauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book but I took my time digesting the truths as I read them. In a culture of never ending busy-ness, this book called me to slow down and live intentionally from a place of deep rest in Christ. Well written.

[Emma Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those looking to incorporate rhythms of rest into their ministry and keep deep compassion fatigue at bay

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book on the need for rest. A little too biographical and American at points. But very helpful. Lots of great quotes in it that made me want to read those books too.

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this read, however, it was due to return to the library & I did not finish it fully.

I believe in having a rest day for your soul & this is a good backing for it.

[Caleb Matsick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coincidentally aligns perfectly with what I've been learning recently. Thanks God. Changed the way I approach rest.

[Steven Blader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
More helpful than not, but about 60-75 pages too long.

[NAOMI POINDEXTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completed one first read and then I will use as a devotional to study again.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a personal memoir of burnout and not the exploration of practical ways modern Christians might implement sabbath. Since I was hoping for the latter it was a swing and a miss for me.

[Lisa Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Simple. Practical. Full of God's word, wisdom, and examples of how to live life resting in the work God has already done. Will definitely reread.

[RC Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put yourself in the position to experience what only God can give, and that is true soul rest.

[Morgan Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful devotional on how to rest. It got a little repetitive toward the end but overall very practical and encouraging!