"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'" Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Did you know that July 2nd, 2025, marked the halfway point of the year? For some of us, that fact brings excitement—we're looking forward to August vacations, favorite holidays, and family get-togethers. For others, however, it's easy to let this reminder bring us down. Halfway through the year is a reminder of all the could've- and should've-beens. All the goals we didn't accomplish or the to-do lists left incomplete. It's easy to feel burnt out, lost, behind, and burdened by everything we'd expected to accomplish by now.
But what if this mid-year check-in isn't meant to beat us down, but lift us up? Instead of seeing everything we haven't done, what if we shift our gaze to everything God has already accomplished through and in us? What if we learn to see it as an opportunity for God's grace and mercy to abound even more? In the past year, regardless of your achievements and victories, where have you seen God?
Today, God invites each of us into something deeper than the items checked off or still left on our to-do lists. He invites you and me not into a rhythm of hustle and doing or being more, but rest, repentance, quietness, and trust. As Matthew 11:28-30 continually reminds us: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (NIV).
Think back to January. For me, this marked the season my husband and I got a new dog, confirmed mold in our home, and celebrated my 28th birthday. The month was filled with highs and lows alike. But what hopes, goals, or prayers did you carry into 2025? Where have you seen God move? Where have you heard His answers to prayer? Where have you drifted from His peace?
In Isaiah 30:15, Scripture reminds us that true strength isn't found in our to-do lists. Striving doesn't bring the peace we're looking for. Stopping, pausing, and surrendering do. This week, just a few days after the midpoint of the year, take a deep breath and a spiritual inventory. Ask yourself: "Where do I need to return to rest? Where am I striving instead of resting? What areas need a “reset” that puts Jesus back at the center?"
The answer to these questions might shock you. I know they always shock me. Somehow, I'm always trying to do and be more instead of resting in what God has already given me and where He's placed me. But friends, this isn't about shame or condemnation; it's about realignment. It's not about ignoring your to-do list or unchecked accomplishments, but reminding your soul, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). Did you catch that? True rest and reset come not in having control, but surrendering it to the One who already has it. In rest, quietness, and trust, we find our strength, not when we're stressing out and trying to do more.
This week, I encourage you to spend 15-30 minutes in silence. During this time, pray, meditate on Scripture, and journal answers to these questions:
-What am I carrying that God didn’t ask me to?
-Where is God inviting me to slow down and trust Him more?
-What would it look like to root myself in God's rest?
-Am I putting more value in my relationship with Jesus or the items on my to-do list?
-How can I check in with Jesus daily?
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus, you are good to me. Thank you for not only saving my life from sin, but also saving me from the pressure to continually do and be more. Though I struggle with this, remind me that you meet me where I am, and you love me the same. Help me release my burdens and checklists to you, knowing that you will help me accomplish everything I need to do. Remind me that my worth isn't tied to my productivity but to your presence. Allow me to rest in your quiet strength today. I love you, Lord! Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Ben White via Unsplash
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 08 July 2025.
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