Rest and Refresh: Finding God in the Slow Season

There is something sacred about the slower rhythm of summer. The days stretch a little longer, the evenings glow a little warmer, and our routines—if we let them—can gently give way to rest. For believers, this season offers more than just a break from work. It’s an invitation from God Himself to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with Him and with those we love most.

Bible Verses About Rest and Why It’s Sacred

From the very beginning, rest was part of God’s plan. Not as a reward for productivity, but as a gift for our well-being:

"On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy..." — Genesis 2:2–3 (NLT)

God established rest as part of the rhythm of life. And later, He commanded it:

"Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy... the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God." — Exodus 20:8–10 (NLT)

This isn't just about a nap or a day off. This is about deep, spiritual restoration—real rest that nourishes the soul.

In today’s culture of hustle and productivity, rest is often misunderstood. But Scripture teaches that it is in quietness and trust that we find strength (Isaiah 30:15). Jesus Himself invited us:

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest... you will find rest for your souls." — Matthew 11:28–29 (NLT)

When we step away from our daily grind—whether for a moment of stillness, a Sabbath day, or a week-long vacation—we are not wasting time. We are stepping into something holy.

Christian Family Vacation Ideas with Spiritual Purpose

Vacations are often seen as luxuries, but they can be much more. For Christians, vacation can become sacred space: a time to notice God’s creation, savor joy, and make lifelong memories with loved ones.

Jesus modeled the need to get away and rest (Mark 6:31), and family time—especially in seasons of leisure—is a powerful way to sow into relationships.

"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands... Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road..." — Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NLT)

Whether you’re at a beach, a cabin, or your own backyard, these moments become teaching moments. And not always through words—sometimes just through presence.

A Personal Reflection: Family Time That Lasts a Lifetime

When I was raising my children, vacation time was precious. My husband and I cherished those trips—not for the destinations, but for the connections. We made it a point to choose vacations that were all about family fun.

Whether it was splashing in a pool, enjoying the fun of an amusement park (though we always skipped the roller coasters!), exploring hands-on museums, or walking barefoot along a shoreline searching for shiny smooth rocks—we laughed. We bonded. And those memories? They’ve stayed with us always.

Vacation gave us a chance to see the world through our children’s eyes. To be kids again ourselves—free of routine, free of worry—if only for that week or weekend. That kind of rest is a gift, and I want to encourage you: make leisure time a family affair.

Even now, as empty nesters, we’ve found new rhythms. While we can’t always afford week-long getaways, we make it a point to enjoy vacation days. A drive to go antiquing, a quiet museum stroll, or a simple lakeside picnic—these are our sacred times to reconnect.

Some of our best conversations happen in the car. It’s in those moments that we strengthen our marriage, our friendship, and our faith.

Faith-Based Summer Fun on a Budget

Rest doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of our most cherished memories were made during budget-friendly staycations and local outings. Here are some affordable ways to create meaningful time with your family:

• 🚲 Go bike riding at a local park or nature trail.
  
  

• 📚 Check with your local library for free or discounted museum passes and events.
  
  

• ✝️ Enroll your kids in a local Vacation Bible School (VBS)—many are free and offer spiritual enrichment.
  
  

• 🏞️ Plan a staycation filled with themed days: backyard camping, ice cream night, or a home “travel” day exploring another culture through food and music.
  
  

• 🧺 Pack a picnic and visit a local lake, beach, or state park.
  
  

• 🛶 Create a summer scavenger hunt, nature walk, or family photo challenge.
  

Small investments of time and creativity can lead to lifelong memories. What matters most isn’t the destination—it’s the heart behind the time you spend together.

The Science of Slowing Down

Psychological studies support what scripture has shown all along:

• Harvard Health reports that vacations reduce stress, enhance mood, and deepen emotional bonds.
  

• The Journal of Family Psychology found that shared leisure activities strengthen family communication and satisfaction.
  

• Mindfulness studies show that rest improves memory, emotional regulation, and creativity.

These aren’t just perks—they’re essential to human flourishing. And God, in His wisdom, has already invited us into this rhythm.

A Gentle Invitation

As you enter this slow season, don’t let it pass in a blur of busyness. Don’t let guilt or pressure talk you out of rest. Receive God’s invitation:

"He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength." — Psalm 23:2–3 (NLT)

A Prayer for Families

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the sacred gift of rest. In a world that often pulls us in many directions, help us to pause, breathe, and realign our hearts with You. I lift up every family reading this today—may they find moments of peace in Your presence and time set apart to truly connect with one another.

Lord, bless our efforts to be intentional with our time. Whether we're enjoying a day at the park or a week away, may these moments be filled with laughter, meaningful conversation, and the light of Your love. Strengthen marriages, deepen bonds between parents and children, and fill our homes with Your joy and grace.

Teach us to rest, not only in body but in spirit. Help us to recognize that true refreshment comes from You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We’d love to hear from you! How do you find rest with your family in the summer? Share your favorite ways to reconnect in the comments or tag us on social media @HisWordsGiveLife.

💌 For more devotional content, family inspiration, and printable resources, visit us at HisWordsMinistry.com and follow us on all major platforms. Let’s grow together in faith, one restful moment at a time.