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Listen "When Life Won't Stop Punching You—Do This! - RTBP Episode 207"
Episode Synopsis
Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty? In this episode of the Reason to Behold podcast, Tolu and Arnold dive deep into the reality of exhaustion, exploring what it means to truly rest and be refreshed in the midst of life’s relentless demands. Drawing from scripture, personal experiences, and some unexpected burger analogies, they unpack the importance of waiting on the Lord and creating space for genuine renewal.
Key Discussion Points
[00:00] - The Reality of Exhaustion
Arnold opens up about feeling physically and mentally drained.
Tolu shares his own struggles with tiredness and the need for deep rest.
[02:30] - The Pressures of Life
The constant demands of work, emails, and responsibilities.
The challenge of balancing productivity with personal well-being.
[04:10] - Biblical Perspective on Renewal
Isaiah 40:31 – "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."
The need for intentional spiritual refreshment.
Tolu questions whether he is truly waiting on God in a way that renews strength.
[06:00] - What Does Waiting on the Lord Look Like?
Is waiting on the Lord passive or active?
The balance between service, rest, and spiritual renewal.
The importance of setting aside time to truly recharge.
[08:35] - The Discipline of Rest
How taking dedicated time off can lead to greater productivity.
Counterintuitive principles of rest from a biblical perspective.
[10:09] - Psalm 23 and God-Ordained Rest
"He makes me lie down in green pastures..."
The significance of God making us rest because we wouldn’t otherwise.
[16:50] - The Sabbath and True Rest
Are we really resting on Sundays, or just staying busy?
The Jewish tradition of Shabbat and how it could inform our approach to rest.
[18:49] - The Challenge of Making Time for God
The difference between consuming spiritual content and actively engaging with God.
The need to create ‘sweet’ moments of connection with Him.
[20:05] - Fast Food vs. Nourishing Meals (A Smash Burger Analogy)
How quick entertainment can feel like junk food for the soul.
The contrast between passive consumption and actively seeking God.
Tolu’s moment of realisation—spiritual nourishment requires effort.
[22:54] - Fighting for Rest and Spiritual Renewal
The battle against distractions that steal our time.
A call to be vigilant and intentional about true rest.
Highlights From The Episode
"God rested and was refreshed. If He did, how much more should we?"
"Rest isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual and emotional too."
"Waiting on God doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means actively positioning yourself for renewal."
"We don’t need to just consume—we can create our own nourishing spiritual meals."
Practical Steps You Can Take
Assess Your Rest Habits – Are you truly resting, or just being entertained?
Create Space for God – Dedicate intentional time to seek Him daily.
Implement a Sabbath Rhythm – Consider a day or evening where you fully disconnect.
Guard Your Time – Be mindful of distractions that take away from true refreshment.
Actively Engage in the Word – Go beyond listening to sermons—study and meditate for yourself.
Relevant Themes Covered
Biblical rest and renewal
The importance of Sabbath
Balancing work, service, and personal well-being
Spiritual nourishment vs. passive consumption
Trusting God to refresh and strengthen us
Connect with RTB
For podcast updates, exclusive daily devotional emails, and more, join the RTB community! Sign up here: www.reasontobehold.com
Got a question or want to share your thoughts and reflections from the episode? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: [email protected]
Key Discussion Points
[00:00] - The Reality of Exhaustion
Arnold opens up about feeling physically and mentally drained.
Tolu shares his own struggles with tiredness and the need for deep rest.
[02:30] - The Pressures of Life
The constant demands of work, emails, and responsibilities.
The challenge of balancing productivity with personal well-being.
[04:10] - Biblical Perspective on Renewal
Isaiah 40:31 – "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."
The need for intentional spiritual refreshment.
Tolu questions whether he is truly waiting on God in a way that renews strength.
[06:00] - What Does Waiting on the Lord Look Like?
Is waiting on the Lord passive or active?
The balance between service, rest, and spiritual renewal.
The importance of setting aside time to truly recharge.
[08:35] - The Discipline of Rest
How taking dedicated time off can lead to greater productivity.
Counterintuitive principles of rest from a biblical perspective.
[10:09] - Psalm 23 and God-Ordained Rest
"He makes me lie down in green pastures..."
The significance of God making us rest because we wouldn’t otherwise.
[16:50] - The Sabbath and True Rest
Are we really resting on Sundays, or just staying busy?
The Jewish tradition of Shabbat and how it could inform our approach to rest.
[18:49] - The Challenge of Making Time for God
The difference between consuming spiritual content and actively engaging with God.
The need to create ‘sweet’ moments of connection with Him.
[20:05] - Fast Food vs. Nourishing Meals (A Smash Burger Analogy)
How quick entertainment can feel like junk food for the soul.
The contrast between passive consumption and actively seeking God.
Tolu’s moment of realisation—spiritual nourishment requires effort.
[22:54] - Fighting for Rest and Spiritual Renewal
The battle against distractions that steal our time.
A call to be vigilant and intentional about true rest.
Highlights From The Episode
"God rested and was refreshed. If He did, how much more should we?"
"Rest isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual and emotional too."
"Waiting on God doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means actively positioning yourself for renewal."
"We don’t need to just consume—we can create our own nourishing spiritual meals."
Practical Steps You Can Take
Assess Your Rest Habits – Are you truly resting, or just being entertained?
Create Space for God – Dedicate intentional time to seek Him daily.
Implement a Sabbath Rhythm – Consider a day or evening where you fully disconnect.
Guard Your Time – Be mindful of distractions that take away from true refreshment.
Actively Engage in the Word – Go beyond listening to sermons—study and meditate for yourself.
Relevant Themes Covered
Biblical rest and renewal
The importance of Sabbath
Balancing work, service, and personal well-being
Spiritual nourishment vs. passive consumption
Trusting God to refresh and strengthen us
Connect with RTB
For podcast updates, exclusive daily devotional emails, and more, join the RTB community! Sign up here: www.reasontobehold.com
Got a question or want to share your thoughts and reflections from the episode? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: [email protected]
In God we trust