Made to Rest: True Peace in a World That Never Stops
- MPN:
- 9781645076032
Description
Aimee Joseph helps overwhelmed, exhausted readers exchange the turmoil of chasing contentment and control for the lasting peace found in Christ.
With the relentless pace of modern life, we have become accustomed to high mobility, near-constant change, and a rampant sense of restlessness. Finding any sense of rest seems impossible. Drawing from Scripture, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom, Joseph explores the roots of our internal agitation and points to the Source of true rest. She invites readers to move beyond the world’s definition of rest such vacations and self-help strategies to cultivate rhythms of renewal that align with God’s design.
Made to Rest begins by examining the sources of our restlessness (control, satisfaction, and self-righteousness) before exploring the biblical concept of rest from both theological and practical perspectives. God created us for rest that comes from a right relationship with him, and he lovingly commands us to live with Sabbath rhythms. In a world offering us fragile peace, Christ offers his followers peace that passes understanding. In a world that never stops, believers have a ready refuge in their Redeemer.
- Offers actionable steps to help busy readers incorporate rest into their daily routines.
- Provides a foundation for understanding rest as a gift from God, not just a break from work.
- Offers hope that will resonate with readers struggling with exhaustion, anxiety, and spiritual restlessness.
Endorsements
“How did life become this hurried and harried? The rush, the noise, the pressure, the restlessness is gnawing at your soul and joy. This book offers steps toward hopeful, realistic Christian living. Jesus really does offer rest for your soul—true rest that matters and restores. Come to him who is gentle and lowly, not anxious and demanding. Learn from the One who is busy but never hurried. Aimee Joseph is a helpful voice for finding a Christian way to heal from our restlessness.”
David Mathis, Senior Teacher, desiringGod.org; pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, MN; author of Habits of Grace
“In a world that rages at a frenetic pace, Made to Rest is an invitation for your mind and heart to exhale. This is a welcome primer that helps us think biblically about the reasons underneath our restlessness and redefine rest that is rich and restorative.”
Karen Hodge, Coordinator of Women's Ministries, the Presbyterian Church in
America (PCA); author of Life-giving Leadership
“We have a longing for peace and a need for rest, yet we often search in all the wrong places. Aimee Jospeh does an incredible job guiding us to see our need while pointing us to Jesus, the only One who can meet this need. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for true rest and lasting peace.”
Catherine Renfro, National Director of Women’s Evangelism, the North American Mission Board; speaker; author of Hope, Hurt, and Healing
“God created us to rest in him, yet so many of us live frenzied, harried lives fueled by restlessness, anxiety, and a pressure to ‘have it all.’ Aimee Joseph interrupts the frenzy with a gentle exhortation to return to the rhythms of rest lovingly gifted by a gracious God. Her wise and timely words offer hope and peace to weary souls.”
Carolyn Lacey, Bible teacher; author of Extraordinary Hospitality, Say the Right Thing, and Amazed
“This book is full of honest, wise, and biblical guidance. Aimee writes clearly and pastorally as she lovingly guides her reader into an understanding of deep, restorative rest. My heart was encouraged, and I was prompted to shift my own practices of rest. A valuable resource that I will be recommending to many.”
Felicity Carswell, Podcast cohost, Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea; Bible teacher
“Before reading this book, I didn’t think I struggled with restlessness. In soul-piercing ways, Made to Rest revealed that I do. Instead of leaving us struggling in the dark, Aimee Joseph gently leads us to those beautiful, ordinary means of grace that position us to receive true rest in Christ. Read—and find repose.”
Beverly Berrus, Writer; speaker
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1 Review
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Rest Beyond Productivity
This was a thoughtful and encouraging book on biblical rest. While I didn't agree with every conclusion, I still came away having learned quite a bit. The chapters on different kinds of rest were particularly helpful. I appreciated the discussion of sensory rest in our overstimulated world, as well as the reminder that creativity flourishes best in hearts that are at peace rather than driven by anxiety. Those sections gave me fresh ways to think about how God has made us as whole people—body, mind, and soul. I also appreciated that the author doesn't present rest as something effortless. She honestly acknowledges that resting can be difficult and that, at times, Christian duty comes before delight. The reminder that faithful discipline often prepares the way for joyful desire was both realistic and encouraging. Several quotations stood out as well, especially Abraham Heschel's observation that "the world has our hands, but our soul belongs to Someone Else." The book repeatedly points readers away from control and toward trust in God, showing how fear and control often reinforce one another while true rest is found in Christ rather than in changing our circumstances. I found those sections especially valuable. My reservations were relatively minor. Some illustrations—drawn largely from American business, sports, and cultural life—didn't resonate with me personally. At times the book also felt a little oversimplified. Most significantly, I differ from the author's understanding of the Sabbath. She follows the common Christian view that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath, whereas I do not share that interpretation. Since this perspective appears throughout the book, it is worth knowing before you read it. Even with those differences, I found Made to Rest to be a worthwhile read. It offers many practical and biblical insights into slowing down, trusting God, and cultivating rhythms of rest in a restless world. I suspect many readers would happily rate it four stars or higher.