Have you ever taken a moment to think about rest? It might sound like an odd suggestion, but taking a moment to consider the way you view rest—and the way that God sees it—could be life-changing!
We live in a very production-oriented culture. Although it may not be something we ever think about, many of us are operating on the deep-seated assumption that unless we are working hard and being “productive,” we are wasting time.
In fact, it’s not uncommon to have your sense of self wrapped up in how much you’re accomplishing—whether you’re focused on your career, your family, or your place in society as a whole.
Working without rest has long been an idol that can trip us up. While it’s good to work, and while we’re meant to do our best and be skilled at what we do (Proverbs 22:29), we are also meant to rest.
That’s why God created a Sabbath day…He gave us the example of resting on the seventh day when He created the world, and told us that it was important to Him that we follow suit.
But it’s a fallen world that we live in, and the enemy loves to take things that are important to God—things that God gave us as gifts to enjoy—and twist them so that they become vices. God’s command to rest on the seventh day got tangled up with man-made laws until it became a day where you had to work to make sure you were resting!
By the time Jesus was teaching in Galilee, the concept of Sabbath rest had moved from a short set of Biblical verses about setting aside a day where no one had to work, to a day that had a long list of strict rules that had to be followed under the threat of the law.
People spent years arguing about the number of steps a person could take without breaking the Sabbath, and the types of activities that should legally be called “work.” God’s people had turned even a command to rest into a stressful situation!
So what does that mean for us today? It’s good to work, and the Bible does warn us against being idle (Proverbs 19:15, Proverbs 10:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6) but it also has a lot to say about rest:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
“And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Mark 6:31
“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.”
Exodus 34:21
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15
“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:9-11
If it’s important to God that we rest, there must be a reason! Rest can give us a new perspective, help us slow down and focus on what’s important, and allow us to quiet our minds so that we can hear what the Lord has to say to us. It’s important physically, spiritually and mentally—and a period of rest can help us be more effective when we return to our work.
If you find that you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling guilty
about taking a break, remember: God understands that we need rest. Share on X
Are you getting the rest that God wants for you? Here are some things to ask yourself:
- Do I feel guilty when I take a break? If so, why? Sometimes we can unconsciously beat ourselves up when we rest—remind yourself that taking a break is something that God wants you to do and that doing so pleases Him.
- Have I made time in my life to spend quietly with the Lord? Even 15 minutes a day spent reading the Word and praying can make a huge difference. Make it a peaceful time that you look forward to.
- Do I feel like I have to keep working in order to please God? There is a big difference between being idle and taking a rest. If you’re feeling like you have to keep going or God will be upset with you, remind yourself that He is a perfect Father who wants what is best for you—and that He’s made it a point to ask you to rest at least one day each week.
If you find that you’re stressed out, overwhelmed, or feeling guilty about taking a break, remember that God understands that we need rest in order to be refreshed and to function at our best. It’s a command that He’s given us for our own good—and for our enjoyment, too!