There are times in life when every day feels like a battle. The road is tough, the climb is steep, and the burden is heavy. And there are times when we are tempted to throw in the towel.
Maybe you are feeling that today.
It is in those moments we search everywhere and anywhere for encouragement.
I was recently touched by a simple line from a simple poem. The verse, written by Edgar A Guest is simply this:
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
You can read the entire poem here.
But that one simple phrase leaps off the page. It is needed because it is a powerful, but gentle nudge to never give up, to never quit. To keep going, even when the going gets tough.
And we all need to be reminded of it from time-to-time.
If these are words that you need to hear today, I want to offer them to you.
Our most meaningful work in life will always be difficult. No matter what the quick-fix industry and self-proclaimed experts want to tell you, there is no easy way to achieve the most fulfilling pursuits that truly matter in life.
The most significant matters in ours lives will always require our fullest attention and resolve. There is no coasting towards the things in life that matter. All important goals require work.
Because of this, this journey of life requires not just the courage to start but the perseverance to keep going, every day, especially through the toughest trials we face.
Sometimes we need to rest, to catch our breath, to regroup, and that’s okay. Sometimes that is the most important thing we can do. What’s important is that we get back up, we keep moving, and we never give up.
If you need encouragement today to keep working and striving, rest if you must, but don’t give up.
To the parents watching as their child takes a path they hadn’t hoped for… rest if you must, but keep fighting for what’s best for them—and always continue with your love and your prayers.
To those wrestling with health challenges… rest if you must, but never give up on yourself and the opportunity for health or impact still in front of you.
To those caring for a loved one as they near the end of their life… rest if you must, but keep serving faithfully and finding joy in every moment you can while together.
To those working to change your lives for the better…. rest if you must, but know that breaking old habits and behaviors takes time, attention, and renewed discipline every morning.
To anyone who is trying to pick up the pieces of their life shattered by someone else… rest if you must, but find hope in knowing there is still a new and brighter future ahead of you.
To anyone who is fighting for a better world, for justice, kindness, and change, your path is essential. Rest if you must… but know that your efforts create ripples of change that extend far beyond what you can see. So keep believing, keep advocating, keep fighting.
To those of you working to create a new culture for your home and family… rest if you must, but don’t quit. Set the example, celebrate little wins, and know the change is worth the effort.
Simplifying our lives by removing distractions—whether it’s excess stuff, unnecessary commitments, or negative influences—can make our journey a bit easier. But it can never remove all burdens and obstacles.
We all face hard times, we all feel weighed down at moments. But we also all have the opportunity to persevere. Your efforts, your struggles, and your resilience inspire more people than you know.
You are not alone.
If you need to find encouragement in your life today, I hope you find it here. Because we are all cheering for you.
Rest if you must, but don’t quit.
James says
Thank You, what a great post.
Kathy says
My husband has macular degeneration and gets discouraged when needs to rest! Great reminders…thank you! Rests for whatever reason, are necessary!
Laura says
If we don’t rest, we become restless, and that’s usually not good.
Ethel says
What a beautiful post thank you – I needed that – have a lovely day
Helen Zocholl says
Thank you so much. This came at the perfect time for me. I have been stuggling ever since my husband of 48 years passed away in April, 2023.
I have always felt I was a strong person but this has been very hard. He was the love of my life, my soulmate. We did everything together and as the years went by our Love grew deeper.
Your article today has inspired me and encouraged me to pick myself up and get moving again and for that I thank you.
Susan says
Joshua, you don’t know how much I needed this today. I stepped on the scale and gained 8/10 of a pound this week. I suspected it would be a gain and not a loss, since I had indulged a bit last week. BUT… it just firms my resolve to keep on doing what I know is working. I focus on the 55 lbs. I have lost and not the .8 lbs this week. I will not quit. I am 58, and I want to age being as healthy as I possibly can, able to move my body, work in my garden etc.. I am reaching my other goals this year as well: reading my Bible every single day, and cutting out all alcohol. When the road is tough, it makes reaching the destination that much sweeter.
Judy says
Perfect, Joshua!
Steveark says
We all must rest. There is no winning of the long game that doesn’t include self care and recreation. Deeply thought provoking post. So good.
Linda Sand says
“I want to offer them to you.” If you want to do so, why don’t you? Simply say, “I offer you this,” instead of wanting to do so. Please.
Mel says
It’s appreciated by many that Joshua “wants to offer them” to us, and that because he wants to do so, he does.
Oris says
Wow this came just when I needed it. Thank you so much. You have brought relief to my heart.
John P. Weiss says
Perfect message, Joshua. So many arrive at unwanted destinations, where loss or health scares or financial strain darken their vision for the future. And rest can be the life raft until their strength returns, and they can swim back to shore and a better future.
Susan says
What a lovely way to put it. Thank you.