Hi.
I’m Rachel. I love to study, read, write, and teach.
Mostly I write about how to study the Bible and insights from really smart people.
Sometimes I write about my life and our family’s journey through childhood cancer.
I’m glad you stopped by! Pull up a chair and sit for a while.
From the first page of history, God has been teaching us about rest.
On the seventh day of creation, God rested. But what did that mean to the people who first heard the story? And how is that significant to our anxious, hurting hearts today?
Rachel becomes a holy eavesdropper, leaning over the ancient Israelites’ shoulders, to understand the creation narrative. She focuses on the who of Creation so we can find meaning and rest for our souls. As we anchor ourselves in His character, we find a rest that grounds us when we’re faced with the daily crises of life, big and small.
Work, family, finances, the future, the past, the state of the world—these things and more can threaten our joy, hope, and trust. Rachel shares theologically rich insights that bring us into the rest we need, the rest we crave—the rest for which we were made.
What people are saying about Rest Assured
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Rachel delivers deep theological insight with the approachability of an everyday person living through everyday struggles. A must read for all believers who are searching for rest.
Meredth Brock
CEO of Proverbs 31 Ministries
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In a moment of commotion, Rachel’s words feel like the wise friend who puts her hand on your shoulder and reminds you to breathe deeply and look to the Creator.
Monica Ritchie
Christian Podcast and Radio Host
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Rachel empowers her readers to understand the Bible's cultural context while making theological distinctives accessible, interesting, and relevant to our everyday lives.
Kat Armstrong
Bible teacher and author
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This volume is well researched and well written. I found it to be not only a joy to read, but a deeply impactful application of the truth of scripture for the daily lives of people.
Richard Averbeck
Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
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Booth Smith is equal parts scholar, sister, and compatriot. Her voice untangles, enriches, and inspires. Perfect for both personal growth and rich discussion, Rest Assured unleashed in me a new awe of the God who is restoring all things.
Kimberly Stuart, author of Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit)
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Combining biblical fluency and literacy, the story of creation is masterfully recreated for young and old readers alike. Simply Fantastic.
Donnell J. Moore
Academic Dean/Professor, Pillar Seminary
Director of Christian Education, Daytona District/Central Conference - AME Church
Featured In
Podcasts
First Fruits in the book of James
Why God is never mentioned in the book of Esther
Daniel: We are invited into God’s BY and FOR.
Weights and Measures in Proverbs
Right Where You’re Supposed to Be: A Study of the Book of Esther
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Esther is an unlikely heroine with much to teach about God’s presence in hard and complex scenarios. As we explore and reflect on her story, we will learn the importance of discerning who influences us, watch as God protects His people, and discover He can use us right where we are.
And even when we don't know where He is or what He is doing, we can still participate in God's good plans as we take one obedient step after another. God isn't asking you to figure out all the solutions ... He's simply asking you to show up.
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Published by First5: Do you have 15 minutes instead of 5 minutes for your quiet time? Study Guides are the First 5 app companion to take your daily bible study a little deeper. They include daily questions for each passage of Scripture, including reflection that applies to your life. Historical background and context to the culture are also included, with so much more.
Learn how to read the Bible as a Holy and inspired book -
that also happens to be an amazing piece of literature.
I write about life, writing, parenting, and childhood cancer.
I’m an official nerd, with an MDiv from Pillar Seminary where I learned to study the Bible in its original languages while also being trained in ancient Near East context for both the Old and New Testament.
I’m also a mom to three college kids and wife to Brian. Our house soundtrack is Motown and 90’s rap, our happy place is on the back porch with good friends or a book, and our Goldendoodles (Ginger Rogers and Doris Day) keep us laughing.
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Looking for resources?
The same skills taught in literature, history, and art classes can magnify your study of the Word of God.
Rachel Booth Smith