Resources Podcast Blog Merchandise About Contact

Live From Rest podcast #21
Let the Land Rest; Let Yourself Rest in God with Joshua Luke Smith

Rest holds both spiritual and practical significance, inviting believers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God’s provision. Practicing intentional rest goes beyond physical relief. It nurtures a mindset of gratitude, reminding us that our resources and successes are gifts from God rather than solely the result of our efforts. By embracing rest, we cultivate a deeper reliance on God, allowing us to face difficulties with resilience and peace. This sacred rhythm empowers believers to step back, rest in God, and appreciate His faithfulness to live more fully in His abundance.

In this episode, Steve Smith sits down with Joshua Luke Smith—musician, poet, and co-founder of the Live from Rest app—to explore the profound and transformative practice of rest. Drawing from Leviticus 25, Joshua delves into the spiritual principle of "letting the land rest," where God's call for a Sabbath year reminds us of the value of stepping back, trusting in divine provision, and recognizing our resources as gifts rather than rewards. And just as we let the land rest, we too must rest in God.

In a world driven by constant productivity, Joshua shares how embracing rest can bring us back to a place of gratitude, renewal, and deeper faith. This conversation is for anyone feeling the weight of endless demands, financial uncertainties, or a sense of spiritual depletion. By tuning in, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on trust and resilience, leaving with practical wisdom to incorporate rest into your life and a renewed sense of God’s sustaining presence.

 

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

  1. Gain a renewed perspective on rest as a spiritual practice by unpacking the concept of "letting the land rest" from Leviticus.
  2. Understand how to view provision as a gift from God, rather than a reward.
  3. Learn practical ways to rest in God’s abundance by incorporating prayer and reflection into daily life.

Resources

 

Episode Highlights

Live from Rest in a Chaotic World

  • Steve Smith introduces the podcast, "Live from Rest," and mentions it is the fourth episode of season four.
  • The podcast's purpose is to explore the ancient art of being and how to live from rest in a chaotic world.
  • Joshua Luke Smith enters the podcast. Joshua has many roles in his faith: a musician, spoken word artist, church leader, and conference speaker.

The Book of Leviticus: Finding Rest in God

  • The Book of Leviticus has a reputation for being difficult and confusing.
  • Joshua explains the significance of the phrase "let the land rest" from Leviticus 25, which instructs the Israelites to let the land rest every seven years.
  • Verses from Leviticus 25, emphasizes the importance of letting the land rest every seven years to recognize God's provision.
  • Joshua connects the ancient principle of letting the land rest to the current global situation, suggesting that people can lean into this spiritual principle.

Joshua: “God works all things for good for those that love Him… in a time like this, where there is so much calamity and confusion, we can take peace in the sense that God has not caused this moment. God has not caused the sickness, the virus, the plague, which we see around us, but we can rest in the fact that he will use it.”

Abundance Follows Obedience

  • Joshua elaborates on the principle "abundance follows obedience," explaining that God promises a harvest if the Israelites trust Him and rest on the seventh year.
  • Joshua emphasizes that what we receive as a gift is better than a reward, as it reduces stress and attachment.

Joshua: “What we receive as a gift is always better than what we received as a reward.”

  • Believing what we have is a gift rather than a reward is freeing and reduces stress.
  • Joshua shares a personal story about his financial situation and how worshiping and trusting in God led to unexpected provision.

The Importance of Finding Gratitude and Rest in God

  • Joshua discusses the importance of rest in remembering what God has done, using the example of the disciples grumbling about lack despite having baskets of food.
  • Gratitude is the runway to receive more from God; rest helps us remember and be grateful for what God has done.
  • “In times of rest, you remember." Rest in God, and feel gratitude; both are essential for receiving more from God.
  • Let the land of your heart rest and to trust in God's provision.

Steve: “In times of rest you remember… It's one of those paradoxes where you have to do the opposite of what maybe the world would have you do. And we just need to rest. We need to rest and remember and be grateful.”

Finding Sacred Moments in Everyday Life

  • Acknowledging the global crisis gives us more than enough reason for the need to look to God
  • Joshua prays, ending with a liturgy from the book "Every Moment Holy" by Douglas McKelvey, asking for God's provision and restoration.
  • The book "Every Moment Holy" is a good resource for family and individual prayers.

About Joshua Luke

Joshua Luke Smith is a musician, poet, and church leader whose work deeply explores themes of faith, rest, and divine provision. As a spoken word artist and co-founder of the Live from Rest app, he invites listeners into spiritual practices rooted in the teachings of Jesus, especially around the concept of "letting the land rest" from Leviticus—a principle that emphasizes Sabbath and trust in God's provision. Through his music and poetry, Joshua offers a fresh perspective on living with gratitude and intentionality, reminding others that resources are gifts from God rather than rewards for personal achievement.

Known for his moving reflections, Joshua encourages a mindset of trust and resilience, inspiring believers to see rest as an act of worship and a path to peace. His own journey, including moments of financial uncertainty met with unexpected provision, illustrates his message of faith in God’s abundance. With new projects on the horizon, including his work with the Orphan No More collective, Joshua continues to connect with those seeking a deeper, more intentional relationship with God in today’s fast-paced world.

Connect with Joshua on Facebook and Instagram, or subscribe to his channel on YouTube. You can also visit his website.

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you did, subscribe and share it with your friends!

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. Remember, no matter how relentless life’s demands may feel, there is a rhythm of rest and renewal waiting to be discovered. Embrace the invitation to pause, reflect, and find a renewed sense of purpose— and by finding rest in God, persevere through even in the most challenging seasons.

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

Thank you for tuning in! For more updates, tune in on Apple Podcasts.