Rest: A Biblical Perspective

Rest: A Biblical Perspective

By Walks With The Lord

In today’s fast-paced world, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. From demanding work schedules and constant notifications to our never-ending to-do lists, we are conditioned to keep going. Yet, throughout Scripture, rest is not only encouraged—it’s commanded. It is woven into the rhythm of creation, embedded in the Ten Commandments, modeled by Christ, and necessary for a healthy and holy life. In this blog post, we’ll explore Rest: A Biblical Perspective, examining what the Bible truly says about rest and why it is essential to our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.  This blog post was inspired by an amazing sermon that my pastor gave several weeks ago, and I have put much thought into this as I feel that he was speaking directly to me when giving this sermon as it is something that I really needed to hear at that time.  

Rest Begins with God

The concept of rest originates in the very first pages of Scripture. After six days of creating the universe, God Himself rested.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.” — Genesis 2:2–3 (NIV)

This wasn’t because God was tired. The Almighty doesn’t grow weary (Isaiah 40:28). Rather, He set a precedent. Rest was part of the original design for creation, part of the divine rhythm of work and renewal. From the beginning, God modeled rest to show us its sacred significance.

The Sabbath: A Holy Command

God’s example in Genesis was later codified in the Ten Commandments. The fourth commandment is not a suggestion—it is a direct instruction to rest.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” — Exodus 20:8–10a (NIV)

The Sabbath wasn’t merely about physical cessation from labor; it was (and is) about spiritual restoration. It’s a day to remember God’s provision, to reconnect with Him, and to enjoy His creation.

In Deuteronomy 5:15, the Sabbath is also tied to Israel’s redemption:

“Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”

Rest reminds us that we are not slaves anymore. We do not earn our worth by our work—we rest in the knowledge that our worth is found in God.

Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath and Model of Rest

When Jesus came, He didn’t abolish the Sabbath—He fulfilled it. He challenged legalistic interpretations that turned the Sabbath into a burden rather than a blessing.

“Then He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.’” — Mark 2:27–28 (NIV)

Jesus modeled a life that balanced service with solitude. He often withdrew from crowds to pray and rest:

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 (NIV)

Even amid a thriving ministry, Jesus prioritized time alone with the Father. If the Son of God needed to rest, how much more do we?

Rest for the Weary

Perhaps one of the most beloved invitations in Scripture is Jesus’ call to the weary and burdened:

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

The rest Jesus offers isn’t simply about sleep or taking a break. It is soul-deep rest—a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7), a rest that carries us through life’s storms.

“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 11:29 (NIV)

In Christ, we find a rest that nothing in this world can offer. It's not escapism; it's renewal. It's not idleness; it's intimacy with God.

Spiritual Rest: Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Rest is more than physical—it is spiritual. Hebrews reminds us of a deeper kind of rest:

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” — Hebrews 4:9–10 (NIV)

The author of Hebrews is pointing to the ultimate rest found in Christ—freedom from striving to earn salvation, peace in knowing we are secure in God’s love.

True rest means trusting in God’s sovereignty. It means believing that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. God is in control. We can rest in Him.

Rest is an Act of Faith

In a culture that glorifies hustle and busyness, choosing rest is a countercultural act of faith. It says:

  • I trust God to provide.

  • I believe I am more than my productivity.

  • I acknowledge my limits and embrace His sufficiency.

Even the land was commanded to rest:

“But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards.” — Leviticus 25:4 (NIV)

Resting—whether for ourselves or the land—demonstrates dependence on God. It trains our hearts to believe that He is our source and sustainer.

Practical Ways to Embrace Biblical Rest

Here are a few intentional ways to cultivate rest in your life:

  1. Honor the Sabbath: Set aside a day each week to rest, worship, and enjoy God’s creation.

  2. Create Boundaries: Say no to overcommitment. Not every opportunity is a divine assignment.

  3. Practice Solitude: Carve out time for prayer and quiet reflection, as Jesus did.

  4. Unplug: Take breaks from screens and technology to be present with God and others.

  5. Trust God’s Timing: Stop striving. God’s plan is not rushed, and neither should we be.

Closing Thoughts

Rest is not a weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s not laziness—it’s godliness. In a world that runs on stress and speed, the call to rest is a revolutionary return to the heart of God. It is a gift, a command, and a promise. When we learn to rest in Him, we become more attuned to His voice, more responsive to His Spirit, and more reflective of His peace.

Let us reclaim the biblical rhythm of rest and be refreshed in the presence of our Creator.

Let’s Hear from You

Have you struggled to find rest in your life? What practices help you reconnect with God during your downtime? Has observing a Sabbath changed your spiritual walk?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of rest. Thank You for modeling it at creation, commanding it in Your Word, and fulfilling it through Your Son, Jesus. We confess that we often run ourselves ragged, trying to do more and be more. Help us to slow down and remember that we are Your beloved children, not machines of productivity. Teach us to honor the Sabbath, to rest in Your promises, and to trust in Your provision. Fill our souls with the peace that only You can give. May we find true rest in Your presence—today and always.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Stay encouraged, friends. Rest well, and walk always with the Lord.
— Walks With The Lord

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