JESUS RESTED TOO: A MODEL FOR TODAY’S CAREGIVERS
by Creation Life
Caring for others can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Whether it’s tending to aging parents, raising children or serving in church ministries, the act of giving brings purpose and meaning. Yet many caregivers find themselves exhausted, running on empty and feeling guilty when they even think about taking time for themselves. The truth is that God designed rest not as a luxury but as an essential part of serving effectively.
Research reveals just how common this struggle is. One study found that unpaid caregivers experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression and burnout compared to non-caregivers. Those caring for both children and aging parents face the greatest challenges, often reporting sleep duration outside the healthy range of seven to nine hours. When you’re exhausted, your ability to serve diminishes. You become irritable, make poor decisions and risk damaging the very relationships you’re trying to nurture.
The biblical foundation for rest goes back to creation itself. God didn’t rest on the seventh day because He was tired. He rested to establish a pattern for us to follow. In Mark 2:27, Jesus reminded us that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Rest isn’t something we squeeze in when everything else is done. It’s a gift from God designed to restore us physically, mentally and spiritually.
Many caregivers struggle with what researchers call “mother guilt”—the feeling that taking time for self-care means failing those who depend on you. Studies show this guilt directly interferes with health-promoting behaviors like exercise, proper nutrition and adequate sleep. But here’s what’s remarkable: when caregivers develop self-compassion instead of self-criticism, they actually become better at maintaining the healthy habits that enable them to serve others effectively.
The key lies in understanding that rest isn’t selfish — it’s strategic. Just as airline safety instructions tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first, you need to maintain your own well-being to care for others sustainably. Research on dementia caregivers found that mindfulness practices significantly reduced perceived stress and increased their ability to accept their caregiving role with greater compassion. When you’re rested and centered, you bring patience and presence to your service instead of exhaustion and resentment.
Your religious faith can strengthen this process. Studies show that caregivers who draw on their spiritual beliefs develop greater resilience. Hope acts as a bridge between faith and resilience, and positive emotions amplify this effect. When you see rest as part of God’s design rather than a personal weakness, it becomes easier to embrace. Prayer and quiet reflection aren’t just spiritual practices — they’re proven methods for managing the stress that comes with serving others.
Consider scheduling rest like you would any other important appointment. Research demonstrates that respite care — even just 14 days — significantly reduces caregiver burden. This might mean arranging for someone else to handle responsibilities while you take a walk, asking church members to rotate visiting duties or simply saying no to additional commitments. These aren’t signs of failure. They’re wise stewardship of the energy God has given you.
Start small if the idea of rest feels overwhelming. Take five minutes each morning for prayer before the day’s demands begin. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier. Ask for help with one task this week. These small steps create momentum toward healthier patterns. Remember that Jesus himself withdrew regularly to pray and rest. If the Son of God needed restoration, how much more do we?
God calls us to love others as we love ourselves — not instead of loving ourselves. When you honor your need for rest, you’re honoring God’s design for your life. You’re acknowledging that you’re human, not superhuman. Most importantly, you’re ensuring that your service flows from abundance rather than depletion. Rest isn’t the opposite of service. It’s what makes sustained, joyful service possible.
