<p><i>“We must have some room to breathe. We need freedom to think and permission to heal. Our relationships are being starved to death by velocity.”</i> — Dr. Richard Swenson, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Overload-Syndrome-Learning-Within-Guidebook/dp/1576831310/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3JP1DAGAI85KQ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w5AQL_tdyMQ6_2YpxPT9OlXy1musYkv3608g_QzSoysUV1whVeOiQiVfa7BoyKZRoHbf-c3NWwu-sZ2gu4yhst0bPQSF6-sHV-w5l3Dbh9aj77MK8TEDA7Li3966tL89897MJ-2AR2LryLoJVgzpv1kkwBBOZ_Gpc5C4k0tSuzwrsfxFpV7EaJTlyyd62SrxGY_77uUh8XKNoh-2vAe5StyC8x2mPlhaUIcraKnFAg4.TUgl4A9I8L6Ch7PAVuSCtQ0ss72DS3OkSfPKJKE81hU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=richard+swenson&amp;qid=1748239994&amp;sprefix=richard+swenson%2Caps%2C120&amp;sr=8-10"><i>The Overload Syndrome</i></a></p><p>In our fast-paced, always-on world, these words ring true. We’re overloaded—physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. But what if the antidote to our exhaustion isn’t doing more, but doing less? Today, let’s look at rest from a biblical perspective.</p><h3>What Is Margin?</h3><p>Margin is the <i>“room to breathe”</i> that Dr. Swenson describes. It’s the space between our load and our limits, which allows us to pause before we break.</p><p>Too often, we end the day with nothing left—no time, energy, or money. Then the next day starts…full throttle again.</p><p>That kind of lifestyle comes at a cost. <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation/effects-of-sleep-deprivation#:~:text=Nearly%20half%20of%20people%20in,on%20mental%20and%20physical%20health.">The Sleep Foundation</a> reports that nearly half of Americans experience trouble sleeping—a third of them get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious (and expensive) health problems like anxiety, heart disease, and diabetes. It also undermines our relationships and decision-making.</p><p>The truth? Rest is not a luxury. It’s wisdom.</p><h3>God Created Rest</h3><p>God rested on the seventh day of Creation—not because He needed to, but because His work was complete. He blessed that rest and called it holy (Genesis 2:3).</p><p>Later, He enshrined the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). Why? Because He knows our tendency to keep pushing ourselves, and He lovingly tells us to stop. As pastor and author <a href="http://amazon.com/Deeply-Formed-Life-Transformative-Values/dp/0525654402/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1CDE1BEDDU9BS&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BpemgJFctDNd6MwGQHTIATiP-ibifBZzRZlvleGP6Lnh7VNh7ohh_H89F3fwXcRKguhutwBIkoPuYKYHYQMrqYZ2mU-zOb6vHcN0CLbjxF_hATlLPShX-9Lc7T_V-7Fxp-MpoD3x4XbbC1Plr5e-_UF2WR9QZ9z8w-nfTaiqVGpC16swVTnyQjGktoviOfNqHKa2EaOHWi4mczacvev4t_injqiOI28v6icOCGPLI40.9tOisd-jecGN-u4BJEAjkNAykt5-Tu8fXB7KuYSHWm4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=rich+villodas&amp;qid=1748240296&amp;sprefix=rich+villodas%2Caps%2C122&amp;sr=8-3">Rich Villodas</a> says:</p><p><i>“God gives us Sabbath—he gives us rest—as a gift to remind us that our standing in Christ is not based on our works. When we rest, we’re reminded: I’m not producing anything…and God still loves me.”</i></p><h3>Margin in a Work-Obsessed World</h3><p>Technology allows us to work from anywhere, at any time. But just because we <i>can</i> doesn’t mean we <i>should</i>. Rest gives us the strength and focus to do our work <i>“as unto the Lord”</i> (Colossians 3:23).</p><p>Working late nights and skipping vacations might seem productive, but over time, they damage what matters most—our health, our relationships, and our spiritual lives.</p><p>Rest doesn’t mean avoiding work. It means working wisely and worshipfully—and stepping away when it’s time to refuel.</p><h3>The Difference Between Rest and Laziness</h3><p>Now, let’s be clear: Rest is not laziness.</p><p>Laziness is neglecting what we’re called to do. It violates God’s design for us to work, serve, and create. Paul warned the Thessalonians to <i>“warn those who are idle and disruptive”</i> (1 Thess. 5:14), and added in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 that idleness often masks itself as busyness.</p><p>Proverbs 31 praises the noble woman who works diligently. Verse 27 says she <i>“does not eat the bread of idleness.”</i> Laziness can show up subtly, like scrolling endlessly or shopping to avoid responsibility.</p><p>Proverbs 24:30–31 tells of a neglected field, overgrown and crumbling, due to a lack of care. That’s what happens when laziness takes root. But there’s hope.</p><h3>Rest Is a Gift of Grace</h3><p>Whether you’re burned out or stuck in patterns of procrastination, God’s grace meets you where you are. Jesus doesn’t offer a tighter schedule—He offers a lighter burden.</p><p><i>“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened,”</i> Jesus says, <i>“and I will give you rest.”</i> (Matthew 11:28)</p><p>Rest isn’t something you earn. It’s something you receive. So step into the rhythm of grace, not guilt. Your soul—and your stewardship—depends on it.</p><h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>My son is 26, and last year he was able to start a 401(k) with his job. I want to get him a Roth IRA and start with $200 to get something going. Is that a good idea?</li><li>I’m 87 years old. If all my assets have beneficiaries designated, is there any reason to have probate, or is there a maximum dollar amount that requires probate, so I would have to get a trust?</li><li>I pay my bills and save as much as I can. Is it okay for me to spend $10 at the Salvation Army to get a new church dress? I don’t make much money, but I get paid every two weeks with a decent check.</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://faithfi.com/give">Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Overload-Syndrome-Learning-Within-Guidebook/dp/1576831310/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3JP1DAGAI85KQ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w5AQL_tdyMQ6_2YpxPT9OlXy1musYkv3608g_QzSoysUV1whVeOiQiVfa7BoyKZRoHbf-c3NWwu-sZ2gu4yhst0bPQSF6-sHV-w5l3Dbh9aj77MK8TEDA7Li3966tL89897MJ-2AR2LryLoJVgzpv1kkwBBOZ_Gpc5C4k0tSuzwrsfxFpV7EaJTlyyd62SrxGY_77uUh8XKNoh-2vAe5StyC8x2mPlhaUIcraKnFAg4.TUgl4A9I8L6Ch7PAVuSCtQ0ss72DS3OkSfPKJKE81hU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=richard+swenson&amp;qid=1748239994&amp;sprefix=richard+swenson%2Caps%2C120&amp;sr=8-10">The Overload Syndrome: Learning to Live Within Your Limits by Dr. Richard A. Swenson</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Margin-Restoring-Emotional-Financial-Overloaded/dp/1576836827/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3JP1DAGAI85KQ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w5AQL_tdyMQ6_2YpxPT9OlXy1musYkv3608g_QzSoysUV1whVeOiQiVfa7BoyKZRoHbf-c3NWwu-sZ2gu4yhst0bPQSF6-sHV-w5l3Dbh9aj77MK8TEDA7Li3966tL89897MJ-2AR2LryLoJVgzpv1kkwBBOZ_Gpc5C4k0tSuzwrsfxFpV7EaJTlyyd62SrxGY_77uUh8XKNoh-2vAe5StyC8x2mPlhaUIcraKnFAg4.TUgl4A9I8L6Ch7PAVuSCtQ0ss72DS3OkSfPKJKE81hU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=richard+swenson&amp;qid=1748240052&amp;sprefix=richard+swenson%2Caps%2C120&amp;sr=8-3">Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Dr. Richard A. Swenson</a></li><li><a href="https://www.schwab.com/intelligent-portfolios">Schwab Intelligent Portfolios</a> | <a href="https://www.betterment.com/">Betterment</a></li><li><a href="https://heartforlebanon.org/ff/?utm_source=radio&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=ff_radio">Heart for Lebanon</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/shop/wisdomoverwealth">Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
<p><p>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.</p></p>

FaithFi

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

“We must have some room to breathe. We need freedom to think and permission to heal. Our relationships are being starved to death by velocity.” — Dr. Richard Swenson, The Overload Syndrome

In our fast-paced, always-on world, these words ring true. We’re overloaded—physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. But what if the antidote to our exhaustion isn’t doing more, but doing less? Today, let’s look at rest from a biblical perspective.

The Sacred Gift of Rest

FaithFi: Faith & Finance | May 30, 2025

Show Notes

Where Faith Meets Finance

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