This post has been updated from its original version.

I shouldn’t have gone.

That’s all I could think as I pulled in my driveway that afternoon. I wanted to forget the whole day, let it go. But looking back I saw the destruction I left behind. The effects of my bad attitude would surely cause a ripple of negativity, and all because I didn’t respond well that morning when something in my heart said…

Don’t go. Take a break.

Oh, I heard the voice alright. The gentle prompting that knew my fragile emotions so well. I just chose not to listen. Someone I loved was dealing with a tragic situation, and even though I couldn’t be there face-to-face, my heart ached for her. At that moment, focusing on anything else seemed impossible.

But canceling the plans for the day made me feel weak. I can handle this, I convinced myself. So I decide to ignore the voice and just go to the meeting at work. After all, focusing my mind on something else might be just what I needed, right?

Only I wasn’t anticipating the most stressful, frustrating day ever.

How to Know When It’s Time to Take a Pause

We’re told that life knows no limits. We’re challenged to break past any barriers that hold us back. But somewhere along the way, the lines that show us our boundaries become hazy. Knowing where these lines are drawn in our own lives will help us know when to forge ahead and when we need to take a break.

Sometimes God directs us to be brave as we face that mountain ahead. Step out in faith. Pressing past inhibitions draws us into a deeper trust in Him.

However, there are other times when we need to press pause. Take a moment to breathe. Giving ourselves permission to take a break shows wisdom.

What Does the Bible Say About Taking a Break?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT

In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus offered a special kind of rest. Not just for ordinary days, but for when we’re extra tired and weary, when we carry heavy burdens, or when we’ve reached our limit.

A limit can be defined as the “utmost extent” of something. God created our bodies with limits. We need rest, time to recharge and care for ourselves. When we get close to that utmost extent, God will give us gentle warnings, signaling us that it’s time for a pause.

I sensed Jesus’ gentle warning in my spirit that day, but I chose to ignore it and keep going. The result? I replaced contentment with a short temper. My short fuse brought out some harsh words instead of peaceful conversation.

Thinking back on that day, I’m tempted to shake my head and get frustrated with myself all over again, but then I remember today’s verse in Matthew. Precious words from Jesus himself, giving me a much-need reprieve and God’s unending grace. So rather than sinking in despair, I have hope today. Hope that brings me to a new place of understanding that boundaries are necessary for our busy lives.

Maybe like me, you’ve been in that place. Where you go go go rather than allowing yourself to receive the gift of sweet rest. If so, take a deep breath today. Because we serve a merciful, forgiving God who desires to see us learn from His Word and grow in wisdom. Let's find encouragement in Jesus’ promises for rest, just when we need it most.

The next time we’re tempted to go go go without a reprieve, we can remember the verse above. May the God of mercy and grace continue to direct us as we discern when to press on and when to press pause.