Rest as resistance and resistance as joy

Ecclesiastes 3:1–13 (NRSV)

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.

Mark 6:31 (NRSV)

He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

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Dwelling in the Word

Theme: Reclaiming Rest, Resisting with Joy

Before you begin: Find a quiet space. Take a few deep, slow breaths. Let your body settle and your heart open.

Step 1: Read Slowly

Choose one of the scriptures above—Ecclesiastes or Mark. Read it slowly, paying attention to what catches your spirit. A phrase, a word, an image. What stands out to you? What do you feel in your body as you read it?

Step 2: Listen for the Connection

Read again, this time listening for how this word or phrase connects to your current season. What in your life needs honoring right now? What kind of rest do you resist or crave?

Step 3: Receive the Invitation

Read one more time. Ask yourself: Is there an invitation from the Spirit here? Is God nudging you toward joy… or toward stillness? Write down what you notice. If you journal, don’t filter—just let it flow.

Reflection

In a world addicted to hustle, joy is an act of resistance. Rest is not just a pause—it is a reclaiming of your sacred humanity. Scripture reminds us that we are seasonal creatures. We were never meant to bloom in every season. There is a time to rise and a time to fall back into grace. Jesus did not shame his disciples for being worn down—he invited them to step away. So what if joy isn’t the reward for having gotten it all done? What if rest and delight are the revolution?