The Pace of Grace
Are you feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stretched too thin? Do ever wish life would just slow down? You're not alone. Many of us are trying to do it all, only to end the day exhausted, discouraged, and disconnected from the peace God promises. If you’ve ever felt like your pace of life is unsustainable, it may be time to step into the pace of grace—God’s rhythm of focus, trust and rest.
A Familiar Day in the Life of a Mom
Let me paint a picture that might resonate with you.
You wake up to kids jumping on your bed, already behind because you stayed up too late scrolling for some “me time.” You wanted to start your day with Bible reading and prayer, but now you’re starting in chaos.
You spend your day entertaining and caring for your kids, but no matter how hard you try, there are complaints, meltdowns, and disobedience. You ask them ten times to get their shoes on, and finally, you snap.
You juggle laundry, dishes, volunteer responsibilities, and sports practices. You make dinner—then another one, because no one liked the first. You scroll for relief, but it only leaves you feeling more behind, more anxious, more less than.
By bedtime, you have nothing left to give your husband. You feel guilty for being snappy, guilty for not being present, and so you escape again into your phone—only to feel worse, seeing posts about “10 ways to be a more present mom.”
You did a lot of “good” things—but were they the right things?
Why We Feel Burnt Out (Even When We're Doing Good Things)
We are often exhausted not just by what we have to do, but by what we think we should be doing—and the relentless pace at which we think it all needs to get done. But what if God never intended for us to live this way?
God invites us into something better: a life lived at the pace of grace.
What Is the Pace of Grace?
The “pace of grace” means walking through life in step with God’s will, not rushing ahead with our own plans. It often means doing less, but doing it with more intention, peace, and joy.
Elisabeth Elliot wisely said:
“If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.”
Are You Carrying Burdens God Never Asked You To?
Sometimes, God is asking us to lay something down—for today, this week, or this season. He gives us grace for what He’s calling us to do, not for everything we want or feel pressured to do.
“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me…”
— Philippians 4:13 AMP
Even Jesus Rested and Prayed
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a rhythm of work and rest. He didn’t heal every person, solve every problem, or meet every demand.
He:
Chose solitude – Luke 5:16
Took naps – Mark 4:38
Spent entire nights in prayer – Luke 6:12
He never rushed, yet He fulfilled His mission perfectly in only three years of public ministry. He always did what the Father asked—nothing more, nothing less.
If Jesus needed rest and solitude, how much more do we?
Resting in Christ’s Finished Work
The deepest form of rest isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual. True biblical rest begins with trusting that we don’t have to strive to earn God’s love or approval.
“It is finished.” — John 19:30
Because of the cross, we can rest in the work of Christ, not just after our to-do list is finished.
What Does Biblical Rest Actually Look Like?
Rest doesn’t always mean sleep or a vacation. It’s about soul restoration—making space for peace, presence, and refreshment.
Here are some practical examples of true rest for moms:
Turning off your phone to sit and talk with God about what you’re thankful for, how you’re struggling, what you’re needing
Letting your kids tidy the house (and learn a life skill!) while you enjoy a cup of tea
Walking slowly outside or sitting in nature
Setting aside the checklist for a few minutes to do something you enjoy with your kids
Going to bed early or taking a nap when you’re exhausted, trusting that God will provide time later to get everything done
Establishing an afternoon quiet time so everyone gets a break
Giving your child loving consequences for wrong choices when they knew better (“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will also delight your soul” Proverbs 29:17)
Creating something just for the joy of it—baking, writing, etc
Reading a short passage of Scripture or a devotional and then sitting and thinking about it
Listening to worship music and simply being in His presence
Asking God to show you HIS priorities for your day, and submitting to His will when your plans change
When Screens Steal Our Rest and Increase Our Stress
Too often, we turn to our phones when we feel overwhelmed. We tell ourselves we’re “resting,” but in reality, we’re escaping. Social media, texts, news, and mindless scrolling clutter our minds and distract our hearts. Instead of refueling, it drains. It distracts us from the quiet our souls crave and leaves us more anxious than before. Screens can distract us from our work and from our rest. And the result is stress over what we didn’t finish and anxiety about what’s next.
Even 19th-century writer Elisabeth Prentiss noted:
“A calmer life [results]... especially if I avoid, so far as I can do it, all unnecessary work, distraction and hurry.”
When we trust God enough to shut down the noise, we make space to hear His still, small voice.
You Don’t Have to Do It All—Just What God Asks
If your schedule is stealing your joy or peace, ask yourself:
Am I doing this because God asked me to—or out of pressure?
Is this glorifying God and loving others well?
Do I have the grace and energy for this today?
Do I have the capacity to do this with a joyful, calm heart?
What can wait for another day or season?
Is my body or spirit telling me I need to rest right now?
“For it is not your strength, but it is God who is at work in you... creating in you the longing and the ability to do what pleases Him.”
— Philippians 2:13 AMP
Living a Calmer, More Purposeful Life
Jesus is not calling you to a life of chaos and pressure. He is calling you to come and rest.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...”
— Matthew 11:28-30
So today, lay your list before the Lord. Ask Him:
What needs to stay?
What needs to go?
How can I create boundaries that protect peace and purpose?
Remember: You are not defined by how much you get done. You are defined by Christ’s finished work credited to your account. True rest is not found in doing nothing. It’s found in doing the right things—those God has placed before us—at the right time - and doing them with Him.
NEXT STEPS
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