When was the last time you felt fully rested? Do you find yourself living and working from rest, or just trying to make it through until you can take time off to “catch up” on your sleep?
Rest is vital for our overall well-being spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. That’s why the Bible has so much to say on this topic!
Consider these three truths from Scripture about rest.
Rest was created by God.
“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.” Genesis 2:2-3 (NLT)
In Genesis, we find something profound: after six days of forming the heavens and the earth, of shaping life and speaking light and everything else into existence—God Himself rested. And He didn’t rest because He was tired, but because He was finished. He looked at what He had made, called it good, and chose to rest.
Rest is Not Optional.
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you… the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 5:12–14 (NLT)
Rest isn’t just a nice idea or a current self-care trend… It’s a biblical command. When God declared the Sabbath day a day for rest, He established a pattern for us to follow. To rest is to trust. When we trust in Him and embrace rest as He designed, we are saying, “God, I believe You are enough, and You hold all things even when I take a moment to breathe.”
Rest is Countercultural
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:9–10 (NKJV)
Rest allows us to pause and observe what God has created—our families, our world, our own lives—and marvel at His goodness. In a culture that idolizes productivity and glorifies the hustle mindset, rest is a countercultural act of obedience. It’s saying “no” to burnout and “yes” to God’s purposeful rhythm of life.
Rest Happens in God’s Presence
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NLT)
Real rest happens in the presence of God. In Him, we find peace, protection, and a consistent reminder that we are not alone. Even when life is chaotic, we can always find peace and true rest in Him.
In a world that prizes productivity, let’s remember that rest is not a reward—it’s a requirement. Our identity is not in what we do but in who we belong to. We are called by our Heavenly Father to rest, not just weekly, but continually in Him. He designed us for rhythms of grace, not exhaustion.
Consider the truth in these verses:
“The Lord replied, ‘I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.’” Exodus 33:14 (NLT)
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 30-31
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 (NLT)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23: 1-3 (NIV)
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest… you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
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