Sis, Breathe: You’re Allowed to Rest

Allison Dollison 

Ladies, we need to talk. Somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that if we weren’t constantly working on something—our minds, our bodies, our faith, our habits, our meal planning, our parenting, our emotions—then we were somehow falling behind. 

We’ve been told, “You should always be growing!” But can I ask a bold question? Growing into what? Who decided that our current selves are so unacceptable that we must be in a perpetual state of self-improvement? 

I love a good book on discipline. I’ll set goals, create routines, and listen to the occasional podcast on how to be more productive. But lately, I’ve realized that the pressure to always be developing has made me feel like I’m never enough right now. 

Why Do We Feel Guilty for Slowing Down? 

Somewhere along the way, rest became a bad word. If we aren’t working on our “glow-up,” we feel lazy. If we aren’t spiritually pushing ourselves, we feel lukewarm. If we aren’t actively fixing something in our lives, we feel stagnant. 

But let me remind you of something: Even God Himself rested (Genesis 2:2). Jesus, who had the most important mission in the world, took naps (Mark 4:38). And yet, we’ve bought into this lie that if we’re not doing, we’re not worthy. 

That’s not God. That’s culture. 

Your Goals Are Good, But They’re Not God 

Now don’t get it twisted—growth is good. Setting goals, working towards healing, getting organized, or improving your health? I love this for you. But the danger comes when we make personal progress the foundation of our happiness. 

Have you ever thought, When I finally get in shape, I’ll be happy? Or, When my finances are better, I’ll finally feel secure? Maybe even, Once I grow deeper in my faith, I’ll finally feel at peace? 

Sis, if happiness is always waiting on the next milestone, you’ll never actually arrive. There will always be one more thing to fix, one more goal to accomplish, one more reason you tell yourself you’re not quite “there” yet. But what if you’re already there? Not because you’ve checked every box, but because you already have Jesus—the only one who gives real, lasting joy. The enemy loves to keep us distracted—even if that distraction is self-improvement. If he can keep you so busy working on yourself, he can keep you from actually walking in the fullness of God’s peace. 

Yes, growth is beautiful. Healing is necessary. Setting goals is wise. But if we become so obsessed with fixing ourselves that we forget to actually live, we’ve missed the point. 

Sis, you are already enough in Christ. You don’t have to hustle to be loved. You don’t have to strive to be worthy. And you definitely don’t have to feel guilty for simply being. 

Success Isn’t a Destination 

If success is always a future goal, when do we actually live? 

The world tells us that our worth is found in how productive we are. That if we just get more disciplined, more organized, or more successful, then we’ll be fulfilled. But the Bible tells a different story. 

Happiness isn’t at the finish line of your next goal. True peace isn’t found in finally “getting it all together.” It’s found in trusting God, living in His grace, and knowing that even when life is messy, you are already whole in Him. 

Questions for Reflection 

● Am I constantly striving to be “better,” or am I allowing myself to simply be?

● Do I believe God’s love for me is dependent on my progress? Why? ● Where have I made growth an idol instead of embracing grace? 

● Am I waiting to reach a certain goal before I allow myself to feel joy?

Scripture to Meditate On 

Psalm 46:10 (ESV) – “Be still, and know that I am God.” 

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV) – Nothing can separate us from the love of God—not our bad days, not our lack of progress, nothing. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” 

John 15:5 (ESV) – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” 

A Short Prayer 

Father, thank You that I don’t have to strive for Your love. Thank You that I am already enough in You. Help me to rest in Your presence instead of constantly trying to improve myself out of

fear or pressure. Teach me when to grow and when to simply be. Let me find peace in the knowledge that Your grace is enough. In Jesus’ name Amen.