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Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest
In this fresh look at finding balance between work and sabbath rest, Justin McRoberts leads readers on their journey from false self to true self, discovering that growth and maturity take root in the knowledge of their belovedness in Christ. In his two decades working as a full-time artist and spiritual guide, Justin McRoberts has experienced first-hand the tension between "The Hustle" and "Self Care." In recent years, that conversation has turned to argument as people have suggested that one is more important than the other. But Justin disagrees entirely with such a one-sided approach. Justin says, "My natural posture is not work, nor is my natural posture rest. My natural posture is belovedness , and both work and rest spring from my belovedness, and return me to it." In this book, he uses humorous and poignant stories to help readers discover the deep truths about us being laborers for/with Christ, empowered by the Spirit, as well as worshipers of God the Father. Readers will learn how We are not tools in God's tool belt, valued only for our gifts and talents. Nor are we ascetics called to abandon "daily life" to find God in the desert and just sit there. We are beloved by the One who holds all things together . . . including our need to work and our need to rest.
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2023
20 people are currently reading
2692 people want to read
About the author
Justin McRoberts
13 books104 followersJustin 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 16, 2024
I enjoyed his storytelling and challenges to not find my value in productivity at the expense of my well-being. About 1/3 through, he starts getting traction on the subject of rest-work rhythm as the Beloved of God.
August 22, 2024
I started off really enjoying this book and he made some great points. I think it went off into the weeds the last 1/4 of the book. Some of his analogies seemed quite stretched and some I didn’t even see how it connected at all. I would probably still recommend this book but definitely with some caveats.
December 4, 2025
Gosh this book was awesome. Just such a great reminder of how our belovedness in God is so much greater than anything we can achieve. This was such an encouragement to me that God is with me in my job and he invites me to spend my times working with him.
June 17, 2023
When Justin McRoberts announced the title and theme of his next release, I admit it - I thought - another book on work and rest? It hadn't been long since I had read John Mark Comer's "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" which was excellent and I thought - What else can Justin say? But having read it, I loved McRoberts main emphasis on work and rest from the perspective of our "belovedness' in Christ. It sets his book apart and puts both work and rest in its proper perspective. The bonus is his storytelling and life-connecting approach. It is an excellent read with much to say in our hurried world and overcrowded, guilt-inducing lives. The subtitle truly is the heart of taking sacred strides.
June 1, 2023
“May I never sacrifice my health and wholeness on the altar of productivity; let my work be rooted in my full humanity and grace.”
The irony is not lost on me that I was reading a book about the importance + rhythms of rest, while back on bed rest after overdoing it working. Ugh. At least we all know the Lord has a sense of humor!
I believe books come to me at the right time and place. Maybe it’s because I’m a mood reader so I only read what I want, when I want, which means I tend to be aligned with my reading more often than not. But the latest book from Justin McRoberts was just the smack in the face reminder that my soul needs realigning.
“It is the Love of God in you that you pass on to people. That is your legacy. There isn’t a competition between your work and your well-being.”
It’s no secret that I’ve been on the struggle bus lately. Between coming to the end of the line in this parenting journey, to being laid up before and after surgery, I’ve been wrestling with the concept of rest and what that looks like. And quite literally, how I can be “effective” in it, as if I can win an award for “best rest.’ Hot tip - I failed.
“Cease from what is necessary. Embrace that which gives life.”
I found myself back in bed, feeling bad for myself, wondering how I got here. And lo and begone, on my nightstand, on top of a stack of books, right where I was stuck…was this wise little book. And the blessed reminder that rest is actually part of the journey. And we can do it thankfully and with intention.
In this book, Justin uses humorous stories to help readers discover the truth about us being empowered by the Spirit. He reminds us that the Sabbath is a gift and practice that frees us from the anxiety of proving ourselves. That we are valued by God for who we are, not what we do. That rest is not just the absence of work.
As he states - We are not tools in God’s tool belt, valued only for our gifts and talents. Nor are we ascetics called to abandon “daily life” to find God in the desert and just sit there. We are beloved by the One who holds all things together . . . including our need to work and our need to rest.
Thank you @thomasnelson @wpublishing @justinmcroberts @tlcbooktours for sending this book my way, just at the right time.
#sacredstrides #personalgrowth #selfhelp #christianselfhelp #worklifebalance #tlcbooktours #justinmcroberts
Order your own copy today:
my link text
If you want to see more of what I'm reading each day, follow me On Instagram
To watch my monthly updates and author chats, check out My Booktube Channel
To read my in depth reviews and see author Q&A's, head to My Blog
All audio books are from Libro FM to support my local bookstore, Boulder Bookstore.
Purchase the books I’ve read on Pango! at My Pango Shop
The irony is not lost on me that I was reading a book about the importance + rhythms of rest, while back on bed rest after overdoing it working. Ugh. At least we all know the Lord has a sense of humor!
I believe books come to me at the right time and place. Maybe it’s because I’m a mood reader so I only read what I want, when I want, which means I tend to be aligned with my reading more often than not. But the latest book from Justin McRoberts was just the smack in the face reminder that my soul needs realigning.
“It is the Love of God in you that you pass on to people. That is your legacy. There isn’t a competition between your work and your well-being.”
It’s no secret that I’ve been on the struggle bus lately. Between coming to the end of the line in this parenting journey, to being laid up before and after surgery, I’ve been wrestling with the concept of rest and what that looks like. And quite literally, how I can be “effective” in it, as if I can win an award for “best rest.’ Hot tip - I failed.
“Cease from what is necessary. Embrace that which gives life.”
I found myself back in bed, feeling bad for myself, wondering how I got here. And lo and begone, on my nightstand, on top of a stack of books, right where I was stuck…was this wise little book. And the blessed reminder that rest is actually part of the journey. And we can do it thankfully and with intention.
In this book, Justin uses humorous stories to help readers discover the truth about us being empowered by the Spirit. He reminds us that the Sabbath is a gift and practice that frees us from the anxiety of proving ourselves. That we are valued by God for who we are, not what we do. That rest is not just the absence of work.
As he states - We are not tools in God’s tool belt, valued only for our gifts and talents. Nor are we ascetics called to abandon “daily life” to find God in the desert and just sit there. We are beloved by the One who holds all things together . . . including our need to work and our need to rest.
Thank you @thomasnelson @wpublishing @justinmcroberts @tlcbooktours for sending this book my way, just at the right time.
#sacredstrides #personalgrowth #selfhelp #christianselfhelp #worklifebalance #tlcbooktours #justinmcroberts
Order your own copy today:
my link text
If you want to see more of what I'm reading each day, follow me On Instagram
To watch my monthly updates and author chats, check out My Booktube Channel
To read my in depth reviews and see author Q&A's, head to My Blog
All audio books are from Libro FM to support my local bookstore, Boulder Bookstore.
Purchase the books I’ve read on Pango! at My Pango Shop
March 4, 2023
Justin McRoberts is an author, coach, speaker, and songwriter. "Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest" is, at least for me, both spiritual guide and memoir that encourages in a fresh way finding a balance between work and sabbath rest.
As a full-time artist and spiritual guide, McRoberts documents clearly his own experiences in dealing with the tension between "The Hustle" and "Self Care." In a world that seems to stress the value of one or the other, McRoberts leans into the idea of gaining an appreciation for both.
Justin says, "My natural posture is not work, nor is my natural posture rest. My natural posture is belovedness, and both work and rest spring from my belovedness, and return me to it."
If I struggled at times with "Sacred Strides," and I did, it was because at times it feels to me like McRoberts writes from a knowledge and experience that others may not have and doesn't always meet the reader where they are.
For example, "What is belovedness?" It's central to "Sacred Strides" yet by the end I found myself still struggling to identify how McRoberts sees it and its relationship to how both work and rest spring from it. I nearly always got the sense that McRoberts understood it himself, however, it never came to life for me and, as such, the core of "Sacred Strides" often feels like a vague concept rather than living and breathing spiritual discipline.
Now then, does this mean I didn't enjoy "Sacred Strides?" Not at all. I would like to think that a 4-star rating indicates that despite some core challenges in relating to the material that I found myself engaged with and appreciative of "Sacred Strides." In fact, it speaks volumes about McRoberts that despite my occasional difficulty connecting more deeply to his material that I found myself immensely embracing his often humorous and poignant stories illustrating that Sabbath is a gift and a practice that frees us from the anxiety of proving ourselves and that we are both loved and valued by God for who and whose we are rather than for what we do.
McRoberts finds that rest is not the absence of work but what helps to give our work true meaning. Even now, I find myself reflecting upon this insight.
As I wound down my time with "Sacred Strides," I couldn't help but feel it would be a wonderful companion for those who appreciate Walter Brueggemann's "Sabbath as Resistance," a book that McRoberts himself references and a book with which I was able to form a stronger relationship.
A valuable discussion for anyone who struggles with finding that balance with work and rest, "Sacred Strides" is an accessible, engaging memoir-tinged spiritual guide that also utilizes key questions and conversation starters at the end of each chapter that will help each reader further explore these ideas both internally and externally.
As a full-time artist and spiritual guide, McRoberts documents clearly his own experiences in dealing with the tension between "The Hustle" and "Self Care." In a world that seems to stress the value of one or the other, McRoberts leans into the idea of gaining an appreciation for both.
Justin says, "My natural posture is not work, nor is my natural posture rest. My natural posture is belovedness, and both work and rest spring from my belovedness, and return me to it."
If I struggled at times with "Sacred Strides," and I did, it was because at times it feels to me like McRoberts writes from a knowledge and experience that others may not have and doesn't always meet the reader where they are.
For example, "What is belovedness?" It's central to "Sacred Strides" yet by the end I found myself still struggling to identify how McRoberts sees it and its relationship to how both work and rest spring from it. I nearly always got the sense that McRoberts understood it himself, however, it never came to life for me and, as such, the core of "Sacred Strides" often feels like a vague concept rather than living and breathing spiritual discipline.
Now then, does this mean I didn't enjoy "Sacred Strides?" Not at all. I would like to think that a 4-star rating indicates that despite some core challenges in relating to the material that I found myself engaged with and appreciative of "Sacred Strides." In fact, it speaks volumes about McRoberts that despite my occasional difficulty connecting more deeply to his material that I found myself immensely embracing his often humorous and poignant stories illustrating that Sabbath is a gift and a practice that frees us from the anxiety of proving ourselves and that we are both loved and valued by God for who and whose we are rather than for what we do.
McRoberts finds that rest is not the absence of work but what helps to give our work true meaning. Even now, I find myself reflecting upon this insight.
As I wound down my time with "Sacred Strides," I couldn't help but feel it would be a wonderful companion for those who appreciate Walter Brueggemann's "Sabbath as Resistance," a book that McRoberts himself references and a book with which I was able to form a stronger relationship.
A valuable discussion for anyone who struggles with finding that balance with work and rest, "Sacred Strides" is an accessible, engaging memoir-tinged spiritual guide that also utilizes key questions and conversation starters at the end of each chapter that will help each reader further explore these ideas both internally and externally.
February 1, 2025
I constantly need the reminder to rest. Not for the sake of making work easier or more productive, but because I am a finite beloved human that finds joy and wholeness in it. Our society rewards overextending ourselves in our work. Applauds it. Going the extra mile because we care. There is much talk of work ethic. But we are exasperated because we believe we are unlimited. Mental health is forfeited because we cannot meet expectations. And there is little discussion around rest ethic.
After 8 years of 12 hour works days and finding my identity in it, I got COVID and the symptoms never went away. I fully believe God was teaching me how to rest. I no longer have that job and I have found a healthy way of being and doing within my limitations. This has given me greater perspective about where I place my identity and how I am uniquely gifted. I stop and look at the sunrises and sunsets now. I’m no longer a slave to productivity.
This book is yet another reminder of learning to find the rhythm of work and rest. Beautifully written, Justin McRoberts gives us insight to a new way of being. Wisdom walks these pages.
After 8 years of 12 hour works days and finding my identity in it, I got COVID and the symptoms never went away. I fully believe God was teaching me how to rest. I no longer have that job and I have found a healthy way of being and doing within my limitations. This has given me greater perspective about where I place my identity and how I am uniquely gifted. I stop and look at the sunrises and sunsets now. I’m no longer a slave to productivity.
This book is yet another reminder of learning to find the rhythm of work and rest. Beautifully written, Justin McRoberts gives us insight to a new way of being. Wisdom walks these pages.
August 19, 2023
“I think the real problem with hustle and productivity culture in general isn't an overemphasis on work or even the push to put a lot of hours into one's work. Where I think hustle and productivity go wrong is the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) promise that if you're useful and effective enough, it earns you the right to be loved, that Belovedness can be established in and through usefulness.”
.
Justin McRoberts is an author I encountered from his social media presence, and I pre-ordered his current book, Sacred Strides, based on the brief posts/stories I had interacted with online.
I was surprised at how well he carried his ideas forward in book form. This book was not just a collection of sticky statements, but an encounter with our culture’s (and often the church’s) largely mishandled approach to the concepts of work and rest. This book is not a step-by-step guide, but the sharing of one person’s journey to better health and self-awareness.
Thankful for this book and the perspective it shines on the evolving conversation of work/life/rest.
.
Justin McRoberts is an author I encountered from his social media presence, and I pre-ordered his current book, Sacred Strides, based on the brief posts/stories I had interacted with online.
I was surprised at how well he carried his ideas forward in book form. This book was not just a collection of sticky statements, but an encounter with our culture’s (and often the church’s) largely mishandled approach to the concepts of work and rest. This book is not a step-by-step guide, but the sharing of one person’s journey to better health and self-awareness.
Thankful for this book and the perspective it shines on the evolving conversation of work/life/rest.
April 23, 2023
"Belovedness is not just the most fundamental truth of Jesus’s life — it is the most fundamentally true thing about our lives, as well.
It is also the most tragically elusive reality in human experience, in part because it is the very thing every dark force in history most violently and vehemently seeks to distract you from and keep you from knowing… because when you see yourself as Beloved, everything changes. This reality undoes every ruthless and inhuman system which enslaves and diminishes human life."
👆 If that quote's not reason enough to read this book, I dunno what to tell you.
Get it.
It is also the most tragically elusive reality in human experience, in part because it is the very thing every dark force in history most violently and vehemently seeks to distract you from and keep you from knowing… because when you see yourself as Beloved, everything changes. This reality undoes every ruthless and inhuman system which enslaves and diminishes human life."
👆 If that quote's not reason enough to read this book, I dunno what to tell you.
Get it.
June 5, 2023
“The love you can earn, doesn’t last. Jesus doesn’t love us like this… The real problem with hustle and productivity culture in general isn’t an emphasis on work, it is the subtle—and maybe sometimes not so subtle—promise that if you’re useful and effective enough it earns you the right to be loved.”
Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest by Justin McRoberts is a book I will return to again and again. Full of hilarious and honest stories of life and ministry, and some major truth bombs… I couldn’t land on just one quote.
My biggest takeaway is that each of us is so deeply loved by God and created by Him with incredible purpose. Our belovedness isn’t something we have to earn, God just loves us. Period. We are designed to do incredible things with our lives AND rest in God’s presence. Both work and rest are valuable, and once we realize we don’t need to earn the unconditional love of God, it frees us up to fully live the one, beautiful life He has given us.
Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest by Justin McRoberts is a book I will return to again and again. Full of hilarious and honest stories of life and ministry, and some major truth bombs… I couldn’t land on just one quote.
My biggest takeaway is that each of us is so deeply loved by God and created by Him with incredible purpose. Our belovedness isn’t something we have to earn, God just loves us. Period. We are designed to do incredible things with our lives AND rest in God’s presence. Both work and rest are valuable, and once we realize we don’t need to earn the unconditional love of God, it frees us up to fully live the one, beautiful life He has given us.
April 28, 2024
this book was whole. i really don't know what other word to use to describe it. the integrity and purity mcroberts writes with (and exemplifies) is moving. the perspective he brings to the table concerning work, rest, & identity is unique and refreshing. the stories he tells are humorous, tasteful, and thought provoking. i set this book down many times to meditate and pray on what i'd just read. "Lord, lead me into good & meaningful work as i pursue a whole and happy life". this is a book i'm sure i'll visit again & again and would recommend for you to do the same:)
June 17, 2023
I’ve read several books about rest and sabbath lately, and I love the fresh perspective takes in looking at work and rest through the lens of Belovedness. He offers some good challenges and points of reflection while looking at Bible passages and sharing personal stories. My favorite quote of the book is, “I think that’s the heart of truly good work. Far from being a way to prove I am worthy of love, good work flows from Belovedness.”
I received an ARC from NetGalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley
July 19, 2023
This book felt like spending a weekend catching up with an old friend who really cares deeply about my soul. It's a simple, anecdote- driven, and permission-granting experience of spiritual direction from a man who knows how to speak to your wounds - and to your secretly hidden hopes about everything being alright in the end.
September 1, 2023
"What was offered to me by God sounded less like You'll be good with these tasks and something more like Come join me here. I want you to feel what I feel when"
"If you want to live arm in arm with solid people who share your values, don't chase friendship. Instead, choose good, meaningful work, and work hard at it. Then look up and see who's running in the same direction and at your pace."
"If you want to live arm in arm with solid people who share your values, don't chase friendship. Instead, choose good, meaningful work, and work hard at it. Then look up and see who's running in the same direction and at your pace."
October 15, 2024
Sometimes meandering on the library audiobook app yields a winner. I had never heard of this book when I came across it as available. I wanted something to listen to. I’m interested in sabbath and rest. I decided to give this a try.
I enjoyed the way the author wove together the ideas of belovedness, work and rest. The way he kept coming back to love as the foundation of life itself was powerful. And it’s a beautiful framework to see work as something God gives us to do because he loves us — not because we need to earn that love. Rest, likewise is a gift and perhaps an even more important one than work. Joy in creation makes us more like God. What better reason to do it?
I enjoyed the way the author wove together the ideas of belovedness, work and rest. The way he kept coming back to love as the foundation of life itself was powerful. And it’s a beautiful framework to see work as something God gives us to do because he loves us — not because we need to earn that love. Rest, likewise is a gift and perhaps an even more important one than work. Joy in creation makes us more like God. What better reason to do it?
February 15, 2023
A great read about what we value. Justin does an incredible job of bringing us along with his stories of parenthood, being a boy, and working in ministry. I laughed out loud multiple times in the first several pages.
June 20, 2023
An engaging reflection on the nature of work and rest. Some helpful insights here and good stories, though it's maybe more applicable and less humorous than some of his other books, so I guess it depends on what you're reading it for.
August 7, 2023
I love following Justin on Instagram for profound reminders on the regular. This book did a great job of reminding me how beloved I am and how important it is to help people feel loved. Obviously there was much more and his little section on work vs job was really well done!
February 15, 2024
A must read, even as a recent college grad whose life is starting out into the ‘real world’ with a “grown up” job. Never thought about some of the ideas that was brought up in this book. No matter your age, or stage in life this is a good read that can be related to your life.
August 25, 2024
Overall, I love the message of this book about belovedness being our central identity and the identity that should shape our life, work, and rest. There were a few chapters where the anecdotes seemed to be the main thing and I lost the idea or message trying to be conveyed.
December 8, 2023
Loved this book. Humorous and insightful at the same time. I received this book as a gift and will be gifting others with it.
August 2, 2024
Loved the audiobook- the author read the book with a lot of humor and sincerity
September 6, 2024
So funny and great easy read that calls us to a sustainable sense of belovedness
June 5, 2025
A Morgan book! Was perfect to read in the summer at camp! Nothing earth shattering but easy to read and small reminders of rest and belovedness!
June 22, 2023
McRoberts uses his usual engaging storytelling to approach the topic of Sabbath, and why resting is an essential part of working well.
He offers a necessary and practical critique of hustle culture, and shows why regular Sabbath rest is important and beneficial. There are a few ideas in this book that are going to keep me thinking for a while. The stories - as always with McRoberts - are funny and memorable.
He offers a necessary and practical critique of hustle culture, and shows why regular Sabbath rest is important and beneficial. There are a few ideas in this book that are going to keep me thinking for a while. The stories - as always with McRoberts - are funny and memorable.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews