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Live From Rest Podcast #01
Discover How Stillness Brings Rest and Renewal with Lucinda Smith

Rest is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. But what if true rest was more than just taking a break from work? What if it was a spiritual practice, a way to live in alignment with God’s design for us? In a world that moves at an exhausting pace, the concept of rest is often overlooked. The constant noise and busyness of modern life can leave us feeling drained—like wandering through a desert, spiritually dry and disconnected. But there is another way. 

In this debut episode of Live from Rest, host Steve Smith is joined by his wife, Lucinda Smith, a spiritual director and inner healing minister, to explore the profound concept of stillness. Lucinda shares her insights on how modern life, with its constant noise and busyness, creates a “desert lifestyle” that leaves us spiritually malnourished. She challenges the idea that productivity equates to purpose and instead invites us to embrace a deeper, more childlike trust in God. Together, Steve and Lucinda discuss the power of rest as a form of spiritual warfare, a means of communion with God, and a practice that leads to true freedom from anxiety.

This episode is for anyone longing for peace in the midst of chaos—whether you’re overwhelmed by life’s demands, seeking deeper spiritual connection, or simply wondering how to slow down. By listening, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on rest, learn practical ways to cultivate stillness, and be reminded that God’s invitation to “be still and know” is for all of us.

 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

  1. Understand how the constant noise and busyness of modern life can lead to spiritual dryness, leaving us feeling restless and disconnected from God.
  2. Explore the deeper meaning of rest as more than just a break, but a powerful spiritual practice that renews the soul and strengthens faith.
  3. Gain practical insights on how to cultivate stillness, embrace childlike trust in God, and create space for true peace in the midst of life’s demands. 

 

Resources

 

Episode Highlights

    • [0:08] Introduction to the Live from Rest Podcast

      • The debut episode of the Live from Rest Podcast sets the stage for exploring the ancient art of being and living from a place of true rest. 
      • Host Steve Smith introduces the podcast’s purpose—helping listeners find peace and freedom from anxiety in a world consumed by busyness.
      • He encourages listeners to download the Live from Rest app, which offers meditation rooted in the way of Jesus. Encouraging listeners to download the app, Steve explains how it supports a lifestyle of stillness and trust in God. 
      • Lucinda Smith, his wife, a spiritual director and leader in inner healing ministry, is invited to share her insights on rest.

      [01:19] Lucinda's Blog Series on Rest

      • Rest is a theme Lucinda has deeply explored through her writing. Her blog series includes Rest is Stillness, Rest is Presence, and Rest is Faith, with more in progress. 

      [2:29] Lucinda: “The essence of rest is found in faith, in our belief in God and in the image that we have of him and who he is for us. And I think that resting in Him and resting in His ability to take care of us is a weapon of warfare against the enemy.”

      • Future topics such as Rest is Warfare and Rest is Worship hint at the deeper spiritual implications of slowing down and trusting God.
      • Rest is Warfare explains that resting in God is not passive but an act of spiritual defiance. 
      • In a world that thrives on stress and striving, choosing to rest is a weapon against the enemy’s attempts to keep people anxious and fearful.

      [3:56] The Concept of Rest is Stillness

      • The relentless speed and noise of modern life make true rest increasingly difficult. 
      • Lucinda describes how society’s obsession with productivity leads to constant stimulation, leaving little room for stillness. 
      • Even everyday moments—like sitting on a bus—are filled with distractions, making quiet reflection rare.
      • Despite the appearance of accomplishment, this unceasing activity often results in spiritual dryness. 
      • Many people, even within the church, find themselves disconnected from God, overwhelmed by mental clutter, and unable to truly rest.

      [5:56] The Desert Lifestyle and Spiritual Dryness

      • The relentless pace of life creates an illusion of fullness while leaving the soul dry and depleted.
      • Constant distractions prevent deep communion with God, leading to loneliness and spiritual malnourishment.

      [6:16] Lucinda: “It’s almost as though we manipulate time to fit more in. We have more labor-saving gadgets than ever, and yet our diaries are so full, often with good things, but we're more stressed and we're more depressed, and we're lonelier and we're more anxious than ever”

      • Like a desert, this lifestyle keeps people from flourishing, even when they appear successful on the surface.
      • Seeking rest in God offers renewal, providing the living water needed for true spiritual growth.

      [8:00] The Role of Childlike Faith in Rest

      • True rest requires childlike trust, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 18.
      • Lucinda recalls watching children play on the beach, a moment that revealed God’s desire for His people to live without worry.
      • Unlike adults, children don’t stress about the future—they simply trust in the care of their parents.

      [10:41] Lucinda: “We have to lay aside our worldly wisdom, our sophisticated ways, and embrace child likeness in order to enter in.”

      • Resting in God means letting go of control and believing He will provide, just as a loving Father does.

      [12:40] Recognizing the Need for Rest in a Busy World

      • The constant drive for productivity often masks spiritual dryness and deeper needs.
      • Steve and Lucinda discuss how busyness can prevent people from realizing their own exhaustion.
      • Many chase significance through accomplishments, forgetting that rest is essential to a healthy spiritual life.
      • Living from rest means shifting perspective—trusting in God rather than striving endlessly.

      [16:29] Conclusion and Future Podcast Plans

      • Steve and Lucinda wrap up the episode, emphasizing the importance of making rest a daily practice.
      • Future discussions will dive deeper into different aspects of rest, beginning with Rest is Faith.
      • Listeners are encouraged to download the Live from Rest app and embrace a life rooted in peace and presence.
      • The invitation is simple: step away from the noise and discover the freedom of truly living from rest. 

 

About Lucinda Smith

Lucinda Smith is a spiritual director, inner healing minister, and speaker passionate about helping others find freedom, peace, and deeper connection with God. With years of experience guiding individuals through spiritual formation and healing, she offers wisdom on cultivating rest in a world that glorifies busyness. Her work explores themes of stillness, faith, and spiritual warfare, showing how true rest is not just about stopping but about trusting in God’s provision and presence.

Lucinda’s insights challenge the modern mindset that equates productivity with purpose, inviting people to embrace rest as a spiritual discipline. Through her teaching, writing, and ministry, she encourages others to slow down, listen, and rediscover the childlike faith that brings true peace. Whether through one-on-one spiritual direction or broader teachings, she provides a fresh perspective on living a life deeply rooted in God’s rest.

Connect with Lucinda through her website and Instagram.

 

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Have any questions? You can connect with me on Instagram.

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