Rest is a vital part of the human existence. Science tells us that sleep is of the utmost importance when it comes to our health and cognitive function. As great as sleep is, however, that’s not all that rest is. It turns out that the Bible has a lot to say on the subject of rest. Looking at many of the Bible verses about rest, we can learn much about its value and how God uses it in our lives. Here are some of the top Bible verses about rest.
“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”
Right at the very beginning of the Bible, we get an outstanding example of rest. After creating the world, God took a step back and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. This is a great example for us as we go about our day-to-day lives. We must work (in whatever role God has called us to), but we can’t afford to skip the resting period. Give your job, family, church, etc. your best effort, then take time to rest and recuperate.
“O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest.”
Anyone who has been through a struggle knows that some days offer no rest. Something terrible happens at work or you receive some bad news from the doctor. It can feel like you are completely helpless. This psalm of David speaks to that feeling, as David himself was being oppressed on all sides even after receiving God’s call. Rest isn’t always easy, but we can rely on God to get us through the storm.
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.”
Many of the best Bible verses about rest come from David and other writers of the Psalms. This is because they lived during turbulent times where peace didn’t come easy. David spent much of his time having to deal with foreign enemies, his predecessor, and his own unruly kids who were squabbling over the kingdom. Today, we often look at those who are not following the Lord and think “Why do they have it so much better than me?” Psalm 37:7 is a reminder that God’s way pans out in the long run. Don’t lose heart just because someone else is having a better day than you.
“And He said, ‘My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.’”
Upon leaving the land of Egypt, there was a sense of unrest among the Israelites. Some of the people wished to return to their slavery in Egypt, others simply wanted to complain and second guess every decision. Moses knew that without God’s blessing, he would lose the people either to mutiny, war parties, or the wilderness. So here he begs God to give him everything he needs to lead and to bless the people in their journey to the Promised Land. God answers by saying that He will be with them and give them rest.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find the rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Did you know that there is a path to rest? The prophet Jeremiah’s ministry is a painful legacy of calling God’s people back to submission, only to be rejected again and again. When we step out from under God’s protection, rest can be impossible to find. If we are willing to let God sit on the throne of our lives, we are much closer to the rest we desire.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
This is one of our personal favorite Bible verses about rest. Life apart from Christ is exhausting, as mankind yearns for purpose and attempts to balance the scale between acts of good and evil. Not only that, but when the tough times come calling, there is no one to whom we can hand over our fears and worries. When we come to Christ, we take part in a relationship where we can count on Him to help us carry the burden.
“The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”
Over the course of Jesus’ ministry, there were times when His followers separated so more ground could be covered. Upon joining back together on this occasion, Jesus told them to rest. Part of His wisdom was knowing that even when you are taking part in important work, you have to take some time for yourself. This is one of the Bible verses about rest that people working in ministry need to keep in mind.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.”
Again, David is a man who is constantly facing adversity from political foes and personal rivalry. This prayer is about channeling all of your fears into God and allowing Him to carry that burden for you. David didn’t know if he was going to be able to find any rest if he didn’t first appeal to God and ask for His protection. We should do the same when life’s trials stand between us and rest.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Are you full of unrest? Worried about all of the different plates you have to keep spinning? God tells us that we can trust in Him. If you don’t feel rested and you want to be at peace, read and meditate on the words of Jesus. He gave us a road map for handling life. We only need to read it in order to begin to feel rested.
“He make me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”
Sometimes we make a conscious choice to neglect rest. Perhaps we have a new hobby that we love or there’s something important going on at work. We can only burn the candle at both ends for so long. Eventually you will need to acknowledge the call to rest. In this beloved psalm, David says that God shows us a path to where we can find rest. There is also a reason to believe that sometimes He forces us to rest. That may come in the form of a project falling through at work or something else that feels bad at first. Are you getting enough rest? Follow the Lord to the green pastures and quiet waters.
“How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from sleep?”
Proverbs is one of the biggest sources of wisdom in God’s Word, including one of the only Bible verses about rest that warns us of overdoing it. Yes, you need an adequate amount of rest. Keep the Sabbath holy and be up on your sleep. However, a person who is lazy is considered a fool and the practice of such a sin is said to be a sign of coming destruction. Be rested, but don’t neglect your responsibilities.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in His sleep.”
Psalm 127 is a short section of scripture that reminds us that prosperity comes from the Lord. What makes the second verse one of the best Bible verses about rest is it informs us that overworking ourselves can actually be sinful. We have often been told “The early bird gets the worm,” but there comes a point when you are doing too much. Trust God and not your own two hands alone. We must work, but don’t be so big-headed you can never take a moment to rest.
“Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves.”
Everyone needs rest. Here the word is proclaimed that the seventh day is to be a time for rest. Not just the man of the house or those who are rich, but even your animals and the people working for you. These Bible verses about rest all note the importance of labor so long as we also remember that our bodies have limitations.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Even when we are not working, our minds may be racing. Have you ever lied awake in bed or endured anxious thoughts while you thought you were relaxing? Our worries do not quit when we punch the clock each afternoon. Cast all of your burdens on God. He cares for you and He is the only one capable of taking that weight off your shoulders so that you can find true rest.
These Bible verses about rest are a strong reminder to take care of yourself and look to God as your ultimate source of comfort.
One of the many ways in which believers today spend their leisure time is through Christian entertainment. From movies to music to books and sports, there are so many great options out there. At the K-LOVE Fan Awards, we seek to honor the entertainers and creative people who are making an impact on the Christian community today. Find out how you can be a part of the ultimate fan experience by clicking on the link below.
We know that making travel plans for you and your family can be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we wrote our own Nashville Travel Guide to help you out. Tennessee’s state capital is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, so come see what all the fuss is about.
