Soulful Saturday: Numbing Activities Are Not Soul Rest

If mindlessly scrolling Instagram counted as rest, I’d be the most refreshed person alive. But somehow, an hour later, I’m more drained than when I started.

Most of us have been there — we call it “resting,” but really, we’re just checking out. We scroll, snack, binge, or busy ourselves because it gives our minds a break from thinking or feeling. The problem is, numbing looks like rest, but it doesn’t restore us.

Numbing is about escape.

Rest is about renewal.

One helps us forget.

The other helps us heal.

Our souls can’t recharge when we’re constantly running from discomfort. Real rest takes intention — it asks us to slow down, to feel, to be present with ourselves and with God. And yes, that can feel uncomfortable at first. But that’s where restoration begins.

True rest quiets the noise so peace has room to settle in.

Try This

1. Notice your patterns: Pay attention to what you reach for when you’re overwhelmed. Does it bring peace or just distraction?

2. Ask your body what it needs: Maybe it’s stillness. Maybe it’s movement. Maybe it’s prayer, journaling, or laughter. Real rest will leave you more grounded, not guilty.

3. Choose connection over escape: Spend a few minutes doing something that actually nourishes your soul — step outside, play music, talk to God, or share a meal without your phone nearby.

Inviting God

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).Ask God to show you what kind of rest your soul really needs — not what numbs the pain, but what brings you back to life.

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website — let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Stillness Sunday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor — it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.