Learn to Rest Through Encountering God: A Guide for Kingdom Women

Deep rest feels like a foreign concept for so many of us, doesn’t it? We’ve grown used to stress, pressure, and endless to-do lists. But here’s the truth: rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Real rest comes when we pause long enough to encounter God and let His presence reset our busy minds and weary hearts. It’s in these moments that we discover something powerful: rest isn’t about checking out, it’s about refocusing.

Deep rest starts with a simple choice—letting go of the worries we’ve carried for far too long and exchanging them for God’s peace. Matthew 11:28 reminds us, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” There’s no catch, no list of conditions. Just bring your tired self to Him, and He’ll take care of the rest (pun intended).

She Meets Mentoring understands how vital this journey is for kingdom women. Through mentorship and guidance, we create space for women to experience God’s rest in practical, life-changing ways. Rest isn’t just a Sunday idea; it’s kingdom living. Get ready—you’re about to unlock a whole new way of seeing pressure, peace, and the power of God’s presence.

Understanding Rest in God

Let’s be real—rest isn’t always as simple as it sounds. For many of us, it feels foreign, even impossible, because life doesn’t pause. But when we start to view rest as God intended—a gift, a reset button, and a form of worship—we begin to experience something truly life-changing. Rest isn’t about doing less; it’s about letting go and trusting more. When we encounter God in our rest, we allow Him to exchange the stress we carry for a sense of peace that doesn’t make sense to the world. Let’s break this down together.

The Biblical Foundation of Rest

God has always been serious about rest. It’s woven into the fabric of Scripture, giving us a clear picture of how central it is to His plan for our lives. Take Exodus 33:14, where God promises Moses, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” He wasn’t talking about just physical rest or a nap—He was offering His presence as the ultimate source of renewal. Powerful, right?

Another anchor we can cling to is Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” Perfect peace. Let those words sink in for a second. It’s not just peace for a moment or when things feel manageable. It’s complete, unshakable peace for those who rest their hearts and minds on Him.

The idea of rest is kingdom normal. It’s not a reward for being productive or a luxury we get when life slows down. Jesus Himself made it clear in Matthew 11:28—you don’t earn rest; you receive it freely when you come to Him. Rest is His gift for every woman who feels overworked, overwhelmed, and over-it.

So, here’s the challenge: Are we willing to exchange our worn-out hustle for the supernatural peace that only He provides? Rest in God starts by trusting Him enough to stop striving.

Why Rest is Vital for Kingdom Women

As women, many of us wear multiple hats—mother, wife, friend, leader, and let’s not forget all the other invisible roles we juggle on the daily. The world tells us to "push through," to keep going even when we’re on empty. But can we be real for a moment? Running on fumes isn’t sustainable, and it isn’t what God desires for us.

Encountering God is not just a nice idea to think about on your commute or during a quiet moment. It’s the reset we desperately need to face all our roles with strength and purpose. When we step into His presence, the constant buzz of demands fades into the background, and we’re filled with something better: peace, clarity, and renewal.

Think of it this way: Rest is like plugging in a dead phone. You can push all the buttons you want, but until you connect it to a power source, it’s useless. In the same way, when we connect with God and let Him pour into us, we’re recharged for the callings and challenges we face every single day.

Here’s what I know from experience—it’s in those moments of rest that I’ve found answers to the questions I didn’t even know how to ask. Whether it’s trusting God with an overwhelming situation or finding clarity in decision-making, everything starts to fall into place when you pause long enough to let Him take over.

The Role of Encounters in Deepening Rest

Rest isn’t just about taking a break or squeezing in a quick nap. For kingdom women, true rest flows out of encountering God in meaningful, personal ways. His presence renews us, shifts our thinking, and gives our souls the space to breathe again. When we allow these encounters to shape us, we find the kind of rest that goes beyond a surface-level escape from busyness. This is the rest that anchors us in peace—even when life is anything but calm.

How Encounters Transform Mindsets

Ever notice how your thoughts can feel like one big traffic jam when you’re stressed? Encountering God has a way of clearing all that mental clutter. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation starts as God replaces the noise of the world with His truth. It’s like putting on a new pair of glasses—suddenly, life looks clearer when you're seeing it through His perspective.

So how does this happen? It begins with asking God the right questions during prayer. Here are a few that always seem to open the door for God to work:

• “What do I need to release to You right now?”
  (Spoiler alert: it’s probably whatever’s keeping you up at night.)
• “How do You see this situation, Lord?”
  Getting His perspective often changes everything.
• “What truth do You want me to hold onto today?”
  God’s Word rewires us in ways no self-help book ever could.

When we engage with Him in these ways, He meets us with the answers and guidance our minds crave. This isn’t just a mental shift; it’s a heart-level change.

For example, I once wrestled with an overwhelming sense of failure after a tough season in my life. When I asked God to show me His perspective, He didn’t tell me to “just try harder.” Instead, He reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” That encounter reset my mind and gave me the freedom to stop striving—and start resting in His strength.

Positioning Yourself for Divine Encounters

If you want to learn to rest through encountering God, it’s not about waiting for some lightning-bolt moment. Rest grows when we intentionally position ourselves for His presence. Think about it—if you’re trying to hear someone, you lean in close, right? The same goes for God. He’s always near, but we have to adjust our posture to lean in and listen.

Here are practical ways to do it:

• Set aside quiet time daily.
  Even ten minutes of uninterrupted silence can create space for God to speak. Turn off your phone and sit in stillness.
• Engage in worship.
  Worship isn’t just singing—it’s focusing your heart on Him. Play some music that reflects His goodness and let the lyrics wash over you.
• Practice listening prayer.
  Instead of unloading your to-do list on God, make it a two-way conversation. Pray, pause, and wait for His response. Often, His peace or a nudge in your spirit will guide you.
• Cling to Scripture.
  God’s Word is alive and active. Meditating on verses like Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” invites His rest into your spirit.

The question is: Are we willing to slow down enough to meet Him? God’s presence is always available, but encountering Him rests on our willingness to stop, listen, and trust.

Transitioning from Worry to Rest

Stress and worry are part of life, but they don’t have to be what defines it. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stayed awake at night replaying every worst-case scenario in your head. It’s exhausting. But here’s the truth: those moments of overwhelm can actually serve as invitations—opportunities to lean in closer to God and experience the kind of rest only He gives. Rest is more than relaxation; it’s a shift in where we place our focus and trust. Let’s explore what it looks like to make this transition, in practical and meaningful ways.

Recognizing Stress as a Signal to Seek God

What if we looked at stress and worry as reminders to refocus, rather than as enemies to fight? It’s easy to spiral into anxiety when life feels out of control, but Scripture shows us a better way. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Do you notice the gentle exchange here? We bring our worries to Him, and He gives us peace in return.

Here’s something that works for me: the moment I feel that tightness in my chest or my thoughts racing, I treat it as a signal to talk to God. Instead of letting worry take over, I pause, breathe, and pray, “Lord, I’m handing this to You.” Sometimes, I’ll even write it out in a journal, imagining myself giving each anxiety to Him as I scribble it down. That simple act shifts my focus and reminds me I’m not carrying life’s burdens alone.

You can also use practical “reset reminders” throughout your day to help refocus. Create small habits like:

• Praying every time your phone buzzes with a notification.
• Setting a Bible verse as your phone background for frequent encouragement.
• Taking a 30-second pause during stressful moments to whisper, “Jesus, I trust You.”

Stress may be loud, but God’s peace is always louder—when we’re willing to tune in.

Building Rest as a Habit

Rest isn’t one of those things we stumble into. It’s a rhythm we build, a choice we make daily. For kingdom women, developing habits of rest isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. But how do we create those rhythms when life feels like a constant race? By weaving small, intentional practices into our routines.

A few have made a huge difference in my life:

• Gratitude Journaling
  Gratitude has a sneaky way of silencing worry. Each evening, I jot down three things I’m thankful for—big or small. Even on the toughest days, there’s always something. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to how God’s been faithful, filling your heart with peace.
• Meditating on Scripture
  Scripture meditation sounds fancy, but it’s simply letting a verse linger in your mind. I love Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” When you repeat a verse like this throughout your day, it becomes an anchor. God’s Word calms storms in our hearts faster than any motivational quote ever could.
• Being Intentional About Worship
  Worship isn’t just something you do on Sundays—it’s a lifestyle. Find moments to worship wherever you are. Blast a worship playlist while getting ready in the morning or humming hymns while washing dishes. Worship redirects your thoughts back to the One who offers true rest.

Developing a habit of rest requires consistency, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Rest is like planting seeds—you won’t see the tree grow overnight, but with nurturing and care, fruit will come. And that fruit? Peace. Clarity. Freedom.

So when life gets overwhelming (because let’s face it, it will), remember this: rest is already within reach. It’s not in your schedule clearing up or having fewer responsibilities. True rest comes through learning to rest in God's presence. With a little intentionality and a lot of trust, it’s possible to live with a restful spirit, no matter how chaotic life feels.

Practical Steps to Rest Through She Meets Mentoring

When life feels like it’s coming at us from all sides, rest can seem like the ultimate mirage—always visible but never reachable. As kingdom women, we know the importance of connecting our hearts to God, but it’s easy to let the busyness of life override the need for stillness. That’s where She Meets Mentoring steps in, offering a path to practical, God-centered rest. From personalized spiritual guidance to a community that has your back, they’re equipping us to navigate life with peace, not pressure.

What She Meets Mentoring Offers for Kingdom Women

Rest isn’t something you figure out on your own. It takes intention, wisdom, and sometimes, someone to walk alongside you. She Meets Mentoring was created with this in mind, offering resources and support that gently guide you into a lifestyle anchored in God’s peace.

Here are a few key ways She Meets Mentoring equips women:

• Spiritual Guidance: You get more than advice—you’re given tools to strengthen your walk with Christ. Whether it’s learning how to make space for God or understanding how to turn stress into surrender, their mentorship keeps things real and rooted in Scripture.
• Leadership Coaching: For women leading in their homes, workplaces, or ministries, this program teaches how to lead from a place of overflow rather than depletion. It’s about pacing yourself by God’s rhythm, not the world’s expectations.
• Communal Support: Isolation can rob us of rest faster than anything else. She Meets Mentoring connects you with a sisterhood of kingdom-minded women who share, encourage, and pray alongside you. Together, you celebrate wins, guide each other through challenges, and remind one another to pause and meet God in the chaos.

Each piece of this mentoring journey is designed to realign your focus—from carrying burdens alone to trusting God to shoulder the weight. Rest becomes sustainable when you have both spiritual tools and a supportive community cheering you on.

Conclusion

Rest isn’t just something we squeeze into the cracks of our day—it’s where God does His best work in us. It’s an open invitation to trade our hustle for His presence, our worries for His peace. True rest doesn’t come from a cleared schedule or a few hours off; it comes from encountering God and letting Him reset our hearts in ways only He can.

This isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a lifelong journey of choosing to trust, pause, and meet Him in the midst of it all. As we create space for God, we find that rest transforms us, refuels us, and equips us to face whatever comes next.

If you’re ready to make rest a way of life, check out She Meets Mentoring. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s take the first step together—lean into His presence, and watch as His peace becomes the rhythm of your life. What would change for you if you dared to rest in Him today?