The Rest Between Breaths: Finding God’s Peace in Stillness

 This blog post was inspired by this quote from the daily email I receive from grateful.org.

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.  - Etty Hillesum"

We often rush through life, moving from one responsibility to the next, barely noticing the quiet spaces in between. Yet even in our very breathing, God has given us a reminder of His rest. Think about it: every inhale fills us, every exhale releases, and between the two lies a moment of stillness. That pause is often overlooked, but it holds profound meaning.

In Scripture, rest is not just a suggestion—it is a rhythm woven into creation itself. After six days of forming the heavens, the earth, and everything within it, God rested:

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” — Genesis 2:2 (NIV)

The pause between breaths reflects this sacred rhythm. It’s not inactivity—it’s a divine space, a moment of being instead of doing. The psalmist captures this truth beautifully:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

That pause, like the Sabbath, invites us to remember who we are in God’s presence—not defined by our effort, but by His love.

When life feels heavy, when worries cloud the mind, try noticing the rest between breaths. Inhale God’s grace. Exhale your burdens. Rest in the stillness. This simple rhythm can become a prayer, a Sabbath moment hidden within the ordinary.

Jesus Himself extends this invitation:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Every breath you take is an opportunity to experience the rest only He provides—not just once a week, but in the very flow of life itself.

So today, pause. Notice the silence between two deep breaths. In that holy space, God is there, whispering peace.

Resources:

grateful.org - Quoted text

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