Finding Real Rest on Vacation – Part 1

Vacations aren’t just breaks from our daily grind—they’re a gift from God, designed to help us hit pause, recharge, and reconnect with Him. When we ignore our need for downtime, we set ourselves up for frustration, impatience, and anxiety. But when we take time to rest, we are able to be better equipped for all the good works God has planned for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

Taking a vacation forces us to step away from our busy lives, slow down and take a hard look at what’s really important. Sometimes, this forced stop to our work can help us see if we have gotten out of balance, or have been chasing an idol like money or success. We can use our time on vacation to reset our priorities and re-align ourselves with God’s design for us to rest and focus on him above all else.

However, it’s great to remember that rest doesn’t look the same for everyone. For example, I enjoy floating in the ocean while the waves carry me along as I talk to God. For someone else, rest might mean going on adventures and exploring new places. The key is to figure out what truly helps you unwind and refuel, and aim to incorporate more of that into your vacations.

Overall though, most of our refreshment on vacations comes when we deepen our relationships – both with God and the people we love. When we are looking for how to spend a vacation, it’s important to think about what will help us grow deeper with the Lord and our loved ones and pursue those things. So whether you’re lounging by the water or setting out on a new adventure, remember that taking time off isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about growing closer to God and following his good design!\

For part 2 of our blog post series, see here!

Chew on This: What is one way you can spend time with the Lord on your next vacation?