What Does God Say About Resting Well?

Introduction: The Importance of Rest in a Busy World

Rest is something that is so easy to neglect. In the busy world we live in today, it can be very hard to take the time we need to rest. Many people take “rest” days off of work but end up filling those days with more activities that are not restful.

What we must come to understand is that rest is so important. Not only important but a command from God! Rest should be something we take very seriously because God takes rest very seriously. If God Himself rested from His work, then so should we!
So, what exactly does God have to say about rest? Let’s find out together!

Biblical Foundation: Rest is God’s Design

Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested on the seventh day after creation.

As said above, God rested on the seventh day of His creation (The World). God made man to be in His image. That image was lost through sin, but Jesus came to restore what was lost. So now, in Christ, we can be in the image of God once again. If we are in the image of God, then we ought to do the same things He does and also obey Him and honor Him. So, let’s be humble and not make ourselves greater than God and rest.

Exodus 20:8-10 – The Sabbath commandment.

God commands rest. He does not command rest to further burden us but to give us the amazing benefits of it! Rest is so good for our minds, bodies, and spirits. It is a gift from God, not a burden.

Mark 2:27 – And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Jesus’ Example: He Is Our Rest.

Mark 6:31 – And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Jesus invited his disciples to rest away from the crowds. Jesus understood our need for rest and showed his disciples how to.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus offers rest for the weary and burdened.

The only way to have true rest is in Christ. We must be in constant communion with His Spirit to experience the rest we need. To have more rest, know Christ more.

Rest vs. Idleness: Finding Balance

There is a difference between resting and being idle. To be idle is to be lazy and slothful. Eating Cheetos on the couch is not rest. Rest can be done in many forms; there is no one way to rest. It is peace and comfort and joy. Rest is spending time with God. Rest is spending time with those you love.

Proverbs 6:9-11 – “How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

Laziness is resting more than you ought to. It is when you don’t work when you should be working.

Rest is very important, but God only rested one day, and He worked the other six! So, let’s follow His example and work hard most of the time, and yet still take time to rest.

Rest as Worship: Honoring God Through Rest

True rest draws us closer to God, aligning our hearts with His.

When we rest God’s way, we are honoring Him and presenting our bodies and lives to Him as living sacrifices.

Practical Ways to Rest the Way God Intended

Honor the Sabbath as a time to worship, as a time to be with family and close friends, to go in nature and appreciate God’s creation, to take a nap, etc.

Have a posture of rest throughout your day also.

Remember to always pray and commune with the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us and gives us rest.

Make a list of things that are restful for you and do them on your time off.

Conclusion: Embrace Rest as a Gift from God

Rest is essential in our lives. Without rest, we would not be able to function properly. We must not see rest as weakness but as a strength.

When we rest, we get rejuvenated and are able to work better. God tells us how to rest throughout His Word, so continue to study and know what He says.
Pray and ask God if you are being restful enough and if there is anything you need to change so that you can rest better and honor Him more.

If you haven’t already, check out my last post on what God says about exercise here! And stay tuned for my next post on what God says about healthy eating, which can be read shortly here!