Dave Connolly and Dan Orange challenge our culture's approach to rest and busyness. Rather than seeing rest as time wasted, what if it's actually a biblical command? Discover how stopping (not just slowing down) can transform your relationship with God and yourself. Real talk about technology boundaries, finding what actually restores you, and trusting God enough to be still.
01Finding True Rest in a World That Never Stops
Have you ever felt judged for saying you're too busy to rest? Or maybe you're the person who equates rest with laziness, constantly pushing through because there's always more to do?
This week at Crowd Church, Dave Connolly and Dan Orange shared something that might just change how you think about rest. Rather than seeing it as time wasted or a luxury you can't afford, what if rest is actually a command from God? And what if the reason we struggle with it has less to do with our schedules and more to do with our hearts?
02The Real Issue: Stopping vs Slowing Down
Culture tells us to optimise everything, including rest. Take power naps, meditation apps, productivity hacks - it's all about getting better at being busy. But Dave shared something profound that cuts through all the noise:
"To truly rest, we have to stop. You know, it's like when the scripture says be still, it doesn't mean slow down, it means stop."
This isn't about doing less - it's about stopping completely. And that feels terrifying because it means admitting we're not in control.
03You're Already Held
This biblical perspective completely changes the game. Rest isn't something we earn after we've done enough work. It's one of the Ten Commandments - right up there with not murdering or stealing. God commanded rest because He knows we need it.
When God rested on the seventh day, it wasn't because He was knackered, He didn’t need to rest. It was because His work was finished. He stopped to reflect on what He'd accomplished, to be present in the moment. He chose to rest, and set that example for us.
Dan put it brilliantly: "If God has commanded us to rest, he's going to help us."
Think about it - when God gives a command, He also provides the grace to follow it. That includes rest.
04Rest as an Act of Faith
So what does this look like practically? Dave and Dan shared some insights that transformed how we think about rest:
Trust over productivity - Rest requires faith. It's believing that the world won't fall apart if we stop. It's trusting that God is big enough to handle what we can't.
Boundaries with technology - Our phones are rest killers. Notifications, emails, social media - they've trained us to never truly stop. Creating tech-free zones isn't just helpful, it's necessary for biblical rest.
Solitude as a gift - Being alone with God isn't punishment, it's privilege. As Dave said, "Solitude is a gift that allows us to connect with God on a deeper level. It's about being present with God."
Even during harvest season - The Bible says to rest even during harvest time. Even when life feels overwhelming, we're still called to stop. This isn't poor planning - it's faith in action.
05When Rest Feels Impossible
During our conversation, several people shared their struggles with rest. One person mentioned feeling guilty for taking breaks. Another talked about their mind racing even when they try to be still.
Here's what we discovered: rest isn't about having an empty mind or feeling perfectly peaceful. It's about surrendering our thoughts to the Holy Spirit and trusting God with our concerns.
Dave shared: "Every command requires a response, and the response that we give comes from choice." We choose to rest, even when it feels unproductive. We choose to trust, even when our minds are busy.
06Finding What Fills Your Tank
One of the most practical parts of our conversation was about knowing what actually restores you. For some, it's time in nature. For others, it's moments of complete stillness. The key is being honest about what fills your tank versus what drains it.
Busyness won't fill your tank - it will only drain it. Social media scrolling isn't rest - it's mental junk food. True rest requires intention and boundaries.
Dan shared how important it is to align our rest with scripture: "When we align our lives with His teachings, we experience the blessings that come from obedience."
07Your Next Step This Week
Here are practical ways to embrace biblical rest:
Start with 15 minutes - Choose one day this week to stop completely for 15 minutes. No phone, no tasks, just stillness with God.
Create tech boundaries - Try putting your phone in another room for one hour each day. Notice what comes up when you can't check it.
Practice the Sabbath principle - Even if you can't take a full day, can you take a few hours to stop and reflect on what God is doing?
Identify your tank-fillers - Write down three things that actually restore you (not just distract you). Schedule time for at least one this week.
Pray about rest - Ask God to help you see rest as He does - not as laziness, but as trust.
08It's All Grace
Dave shared something beautiful about rest during difficult seasons: "Finding rest in the midst of life's chaos isn't about having perfect circumstances. It's about finding peace in God's presence."
Rest isn't about having a perfect life with no stress. It's about stopping long enough to remember that God is good, that He's in control, and that our worth isn't tied to our productivity.
The same God who spoke the universe into existence and then rested is inviting you to rest too. Not because you've earned it, but because you're loved.
09A Question Worth Asking
What would change if you genuinely believed that rest isn't lazy - it's biblical? That stopping isn't irresponsible - it's faith?
Rest could stop being the thing you'll do when life calms down (spoiler: it won't). It could become what it was always meant to be - a regular reminder that you're held by a God who never sleeps, so you can.
Because here's the truth Dave and Dan left us with: God commands rest not to restrict us, but to restore us. Not because He needs us to slow down, but because He wants us to stop long enough to remember how much we're loved.
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0:00 Intro 4:14 The Promise of Rest in Faith 9:52 The Importance of Rest and Faith 22:34 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry 25:05 Technology as a Distraction 28:33 The Importance of Solitude and Mindfulness in Faith 30:46 Being Present in the Moment 32:46 Aligning Life with Scripture 36:04 The Dangers of Burnout Culture 40:12 Finding Personal 'Tank Filling' Activities 43:54 Navigating Life's Valleys with Faith In a world that seems to be constantly on the go, the idea of rest can feel elusive. But what if rest is more than just a pause in our busy schedules? In our latest livestream, we explore the deeper meaning of rest and how it can transform our lives. Rest isn't just about slowing down. It's about stopping completely. The Bible tells us that God rested on the seventh day, not because He was tired, but because He had finished His work. This act of stopping is a model for us. It's a command, not a suggestion. In our fast-paced world, we often equate rest with simply doing less. But true rest requires us to stop and reflect on what God is doing in our lives. Rest is one of the Ten Commandments, highlighting its importance. It's not just a nice idea; it's a divine instruction. In today's world, many of us feel too busy to rest. We juggle work, family, and countless other responsibilities. But rest is essential for our well-being. It's about trusting God and recognising that He knows what's best for us. Faith plays a crucial role in finding rest. It's about believing that rest is beneficial, even when it seems counterintuitive. We often resist rest because we feel we have too much to do. But faith requires us to trust that God will take care of the details. When we rest, we acknowledge that we are not in control, and that's okay. Technology can be a significant barrier to rest. Our phones and devices constantly demand our attention, making it difficult to find moments of stillness. Notifications, emails, and social media can become distractions that steal our time and focus. To truly rest, we need to set boundaries with technology and prioritise moments of quiet reflection. Solitude is a gift that allows us to connect with God on a deeper level. It's not just about being alone; it's about being present with God. In solitude, we can quiet our minds and listen for His voice. It's a time to surrender our thoughts to the Holy Spirit and allow God to fill our minds with His peace. Aligning our lives with scripture is essential for finding rest. God's Word provides guidance and wisdom for living a life of peace and purpose. When we align our lives with His teachings, we experience the blessings that come from obedience. It's about embracing the truth of scripture and allowing it to shape our lives. Rest is vital, even during busy times. The Bible tells us to work six days and rest on the seventh, even during the harvest. This principle applies to our lives today. Even when we feel overwhelmed with responsibilities, we must trust that God will provide for us when we rest. Knowing what fills your tank is crucial for maintaining balance in life. For some, it's spending time in nature. For others, it's moments of stillness and reflection. Whatever it is, it's important to prioritise these activities and make time for them regularly. Busyness won't fill your tank; it will only drain it. In a world that values busyness, finding rest can feel like a challenge. But rest is a gift from God. It's about stopping, reflecting, and trusting in His goodness. So, take a moment to pause, breathe, and find rest in the midst of life's chaos. Embrace the peace that comes from being in God's presence and allow it to transform your life. Dan and Ruth Orange, alongside guest Dave Connolly, explore the profound concept of rest from a biblical perspective. They delve into the significance of rest as a divine commandment, reflecting on its importance in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. The discussion highlights the need to stop and reflect, drawing from Genesis and the teachings of Jesus to emphasise rest as a spiritual practice rather than mere physical inactivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern life, such as digital distractions and the pressure to be constantly busy, advocating for a more mindful approach to time management. In this episode of Crowd Online Church, host Matt is joined by Will Sopwith and Jeff Beynon for a lively discussion on politics from a Christian perspective. The panel explores the intersection of faith and politics, emphasising the importance of understanding God's sovereignty in governance. They delve into biblical teachings, such as respecting authority and the role of prayer for leaders, while addressing the challenges of aligning political engagement with Christian values. The conversation touches on the complexities of voting, the influence of personality in politics, and the need for Christians to be active in political parties to effect change. With a focus on scripture, the episode encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in political discourse, prioritising service and love over division and anger. Join Matt Edmundson and guests Anna Kettle and Dan Orange for an engaging episode of Crowd Online Church. This week, they delve into the essence of church community, discussing the importance of gathering together, both online and in person, to encourage and support one another in faith. The conversation touches on the upcoming changes to Crowd Church, including the introduction of a hybrid service format starting in October, which will combine live in-person gatherings with online streaming. The hosts also explore the significance of small groups and community in fostering a deeper connection among believers. Whether you're a regular churchgoer or exploring faith, this episode offers insights into the evolving landscape of church life and the role of community in spiritual growth. Welcome to CROWD Church! This week Matt Edmundson and co-hosts Sharon Edmundson and Ellie Light discuss the topic of work from a Christian perspective. They explore the modern workspace and discuss how work was ordained by god and its vital importance to Christians. Welcome to CROWD Church! This week Matt Edmundson and co-hosts Anna Kettle and Dave Connolly discuss the topic of family from a Christian perspective. They explore the complexities of family life, including the different family structures, the challenges of marriage, and the financial issues that families can face. At Crowd Church, we are committed to creating a space for you to explore the Christian faith, regardless of where you are on your faith journey. Every week we livestream our online church service and release a new story on What’s The Story Podcast. We have weekly online community groups that meet up and all of that good stuff. You can find out more about everything that goes on at Crowd by browsing through this site, and you can reach out to us via our contact page. Are you interested in joining in with what is happening here at Crowd? We would love to meet you! Join in with the Church Livestream Subscribe to Crowd Church Podcast What’s the Story Podcast Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to the YouTube Channel New to church? If so - check out the New Here link. Any questions? Please connect with us via our Contact Page, or via WhatsApp: +44 7984 530 429
