How I Use Hymns to Find Rest

Music soothes the savage Momma!

I don’t have a schedule, per se, but I do find it important to have a daily rhythm. Guess who found herself decidedly off rhythm much of this year? Oh… it was me. And guess who realizes she’s paying the price. Also, me.

It may sound simple, but my daily rhythm helps me maintain my sense of belonging in Christ. It anchors me in His Word (literally) and also provides waypoints throughout the day where I can let go of my to-do list and be present— and that’s a huge help in finding rest in the midst of raising kids, running a kitchen, helping my husband, and keeping a farm going!

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light —Matthew 11:28–30

Twice a day, I have little pockets of “me time.” I know, it probably sounds selfish. “All those kids, and she’s stepping away to eat bon bons and scroll YouTube videos!” Well, that’s not what I’m doing, and yes, I’m fully available should my kids need me.

Scrolling my phone isn’t restful. We know it’s the exact opposite for our brains, and trust me, it’s no better for our souls. And eating bon bons isn’t my thing. Although you will likely find me with either a cup of tea or something coconutty.

And… you’ll hear music. Quite often, hymns.

A good hymn isn’t a Jesus is My Boyfriend song. It’s a beautiful creative expression of our awe and worship of the One True God. And it’s soul filling. Stepping away for just ten minutes and grounding yourself in God’s Word via His gift of music can lift a mood, lower your blood pressure, and remind you of why you aren’t sitting in an office somewhere getting paid for doing something other than scrubbing sinks. It’s an injection of truth and beauty that tells our minds to rest, and our souls to rejoice.

Are you looking for some hymns to add to your own moments of rest? I have you covered, my friend. Here’s a quick list of my favorites:

• Great is Thy Faithfulness

• I Need Thee Every Hour

• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

• Come Thou, O Traveler Unknown

• I Hear My Savior Saying

• Sweetly Resting

• Walking With Jesus

• Man of Sorrows

• Be Still, My Soul

• I Surrender All

• My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

• Rock of Ages

• Where the Soul of Man Never Dies

I guarantee that a few minutes pondering the lyrics of these hymns will bring rest to the weariest of souls!

If you’re looking for other ways to refresh, please check out the Fill Your Cup Bundle. I contributed an ebook designed to help Christian mothers refresh, but there’s so much more here. A guide for those wonky hormones (that will certainly throw off your rest!), cards to spark deeper conversations with teens (calm those parenting fears!) and so, so much more. It’s only $25, and available this week only.

How do YOU find rest? Are you in need of a longer period of respite? What is the state of your heart, friend?

In Christ,

Heather