Are you longing for rest but find yourself caught in a cycle of anxiety, busyness, or self-reliance? In a world that celebrates hustle and independence, true peace can feel out of reach—leaving us restless, even when we try to slow down. What if rest isn’t just a break from work, but an active choice rooted in faith? True rest isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about trusting that God is in control.

In this third episode of the Live from Rest podcast, host Steve Smith and his wife, Lucinda Smith, sit down together again to dive into the idea that rest is an expression of trusting God and his ability to care for us. Lucinda, a spiritual director and inner healing minister, brings her wisdom and warmth to this conversation, offering a message of hope and freedom. This episode explores why rest matters—there is more to it than physical stillness. Instead, true rest is about surrendering our fears and plans to God. Drawing from Isaiah 30 and Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11, Lucinda reveals how faith unlocks a deeper, lasting rest that transcends circumstances. 

This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure if they can let go—whether you’re a busy professional, a weary parent, or someone seeking spiritual renewal. By tuning in, you’ll discover how to choose peace over worry.

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

1. Discover how rest flows from faith in God, not just as a momentary escape, but as a deep trust we can live in every day.
2. Explore the link between trusting God and finding peace, and why letting go of our need to fix everything opens the door to true calm amid life’s storms.
3. Learn to reject anxiety, hold onto God’s truth, and experience the freedom He promises.

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Read the works of Lucinda Smith: Website | Blog | Instagram 

Episode Highlights

Rest as Faith in the Modern Day

• Rest goes beyond the physical; it is a matter of faith, rooted in trusting God’s ability to provide and protect.
• In Isaiah 30, God calls us to trust and rest, contrasting it with human tendencies to rely on our own plans.

• Context from Isaiah 30 reveals the Israelites’ refusal to heed God’s guidance, opting instead to flee to Egypt on swift horses.
• This historical choice mirrors modern habits of turning to self-help and independence rather than divine trust, a parallel that invites reflection. 

Lucinda: “In returning and rest, you shall be saved in quietness and in trust, shall be your strength.” - Isaiah 30

• Embracing stillness often proves challenging. Most people prefer to avoid confronting their own pain and brokenness, and cover it under a veil of busyness.

The Concept of Rest as a Relationship with God

Lucinda: “Rest really is an issue of faith. It's a matter of relationship. In whom are we putting our faith or in what are we putting our faith in?.”

• At its heart, rest emerges as a relational act, tied to faith in God’s trustworthiness and love. 
• Hebrews 4:11 paints a picture of a Sabbath rest—not a mere pause from labor, but a steady state of peace free from striving.
• Contrasted with the world’s pattern of exhausting work followed by fleeting breaks, this vision calls for living in rest continually. 
• Believing God’s word becomes the key, a choice to anchor in truth over circumstances, offering a way to experience contentment.

Choosing Peace and Rejecting Anxiety

• Jesus himself says in the Bible to not be anxious. Though we are weak and feeble, Jesus’ words inform us that it is possible, even for us, to be free from anxiety.
• Though not always simple, letting go of our fears becomes easier with faith, building confidence from past victories of calm. 

Lucinda: “I'm going to choose peace. I choose to receive the peace of Jesus. I reject anxiety, and I choose peace and that's really how I live now.” 

• Taking God at His word proves foundational, trusting that His promises hold true beyond fleeting emotions. 
• Even in dire situations, an abundant life remains possible, rooted in God’s unchanging goodness rather than our shifting feelings.

The Role of Faith and Self-Discipline

• The discussion shifts to the balance of divine action and human responsibility, noting that there are aspects of our lives that require our faith and self-discipline. 
• External circumstances often sway mental well-being, yet peace can endure when separated from feelings about God’s character. 
• God’s love and goodness stand firm, unshaken by life’s trials—a truth that reframes how we view challenges. 
• Listeners are urged to choose truth, holding fast to God’s promises as a steady anchor through uncertainty.

• Remember to cling to the eternal hope of God’s promises, a powerful takeaway for any listener.

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 God, His 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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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. Release the urge to fix everything, to chase every worry, or to bear the weight of life alone. Trusting God will bring you refuge. He calls you to rest in His care, to choose peace over chaos, and to trust in the promise of His unshakable love.

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

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