What Does The Bible Say About Rest?
God commands His people in the Bible to set aside one day each week for rest. In the book of Exodus, it states “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”, and in other passages in the Bible, Jesus encourages us to take a break from our busy lives. Rest helps us on both a spiritual and physical level. It can help us to recharge and rejuvenate, as well as become closer to God and remember our blessings. Here we will explore the biblical passages, discuss the benefits of rest, and look at how the Sabbath day has changed over time.
Biblical Passages
In the book of Genesis, we find a story about God resting on the seventh day, as He had finished creating the heavens and the earth. This day, our Sabbath, is considered sacred and is still observed today in various ways, by many religions around the world. Jesus also speaks highly of the Sabbath day in a number of passages in the Bible. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. He wants us to take a break from our labours and come closer to Him. He also reminds us to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”.
Benefits of Rest
Rest is vital for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It helps us to recharge and revitalize our bodies and minds in order to be able to better cope with the everyday tasks. It can also be used to develop a closer relationship with God, helping us to remember the blessings that He has given us. Rest can reduce stress levels and help us to manage our emotions more effectively.
Sleep, in particular, is an important part of rest. When we sleep, our bodies restore themselves by repairing body tissues, regulating hormones and producing antibodies. Studies have also shown that sleep can aid in memory retention, as well as help us to think more clearly, as our mind gets to relax and recuperate. It has also been proved to increase our lifespan, as well as help us live healthier lives and think better.
The Sabbath Day
The Sabbath day is the day of rest that is commanded and encouraged by God. In modern times, it is observed differently depending on your religion. For example, in Judaism, the Saturday is considered the day of rest, while in Christianity, Sunday is the traditional Sabbath day. People usually spend this day spending time with family and friends, going to church or synagogue and being grateful for their blessings. They also refrain from work during the Sabbath day.
In the Bible, there are a few passages about the observance of the Sabbath day. In Leviticus, it is commanded that God’s people are to “keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it”, and in Exodus, it states that “the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath”. Resting on the Sabbath day has evolved over time, and modern-day Christians may observe it differently than their biblical ancestors.
Resting in Times of Crisis
The Bible is filled with passages about the importance of resting even in times of crisis. One such passage comes from Nehemiah, in which Nehemiah tells his people to “rest” even while they were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah knew that it was important to take a break in order to maintain morale, focus and strength. The Bible is filled with stories of how rest can help us to conquer our fears and strengthen us during times of struggle.
We can also learn from David, who was able to stay firm and brave even when times were tough. In the book of Psalms it says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters”. By taking time to rest, we can be refreshed and renewed, enabling us to focus on the task ahead.
The Power of Prayers
Prayer is an important part of resting in the Bible, as it’s an opportunity to connect with God and thank Him for all of His blessings. Prayer can help us to reflect on our lives and relationship with God, and be grateful for the good things that we have. It can also give us strength and guidance to face the difficult times that we might be going through.
In the Bible, Jesus often prayed to God, asking for guidance and strength. He encourages us to do the same. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples to “pray without ceasing”. Praying gives us the opportunity to speak to God, reflect, and ask for help. This can help us to find peace and rest in our lives, emotionally and spiritually.
The Benefits of Resting with Others
Psalm 127:2 states that “it is vain for you to rise up early and sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows”. This signifies the importance of not overworking ourselves and taking time to rest with loved ones. Resting with others can help to build relationships and strengthen bonds, as well as give us comfort and support in difficult times, such as times of loss or sickness. Furthermore, it can help us to feel less isolated and connect with our families and friends.
In the Bible, we can see that Jesus often rested and even prayed with His disciples. He also encouraged others to “Come unto me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens” (Matthew 11:28). Spending time with friends and family is an ideal way to unwind and relax, and Jesus wants us to do the same.
The Need to Unplug
In today’s world, it can be difficult to unplug, both figuratively and literally. We are constantly exposed to media, technology and distractions, but it is important to step away and recharge. In the Bible, God encourages us to “rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). This emphasizes the importance of taking time away from the hustle and bustle of life, and to be still and focus on Him.
When we take time to rest, we are able to realign our minds with God and remember our blessings. It is also a great time to reconnect with loved ones, relax our minds and bodies, and spiritually connect with Him through prayer. Rest allows us to maintain our physical and mental health, as well as build connections to God and our fellow man.
Resting in Tune with Nature
The beauty of nature can be a great way to relax and unwind. Taking a walk or hike in the park can give us the undistracted time to look around, contemplate and enjoy our blessings. The Bible directs us to “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise”, teaching us to be mindful of the ancient wisdom and beauty of nature (Proverbs 6:6). Nature can provide us with much needed peace and tranquility, as well as allow us to reconnect spiritually with God.
While some may view rest as a luxury, it is really a necessity for our well-being. Taking regular breaks from work and technology is important for our spiritual, emotional and physical health. We are encouraged to rest to gain a closer relationship with God, as well as to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Resting can help us to renew our minds and remember His blessings, strengthening us in times of need.
Rejuvenating the Body and Soul
We need to take care of our physical and emotional wellbeing, and Jesus encourages us to do this by taking time to rest. This not only can help us maintain physical and mental health, but also allows us to reconnect with God and strengthen our relationship with Him. In the Bible, Jesus says “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”, encouraging us to let go of the stress and worries of life and come close to Him. Resting weekly gives us the time to recharge and rejuvenate, so that we can take on our day-to-day tasks with a renewed source of strength.
Resting as an Act of Worship
We are encouraged in the Bible to give God our best. This means that we should make sure to rest, so that we can perform our daily tasks with strength and commitment. Resting is both an act of self-care and an act of worship, as it allows us to show our appreciation to God for the blessings that He has given us. In the book of Psalms, it says “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches”. By taking time to rest, we can be reminded of God’s creations and all of the wonderful gifts that He has bestowed on us.
Keep The Sabbath Day Holy
The Sabbath day is a traditional day of rest and worship, and it is commanded and encouraged by God. We can use this day to not only take time off from work and technology, but also to reconnect with our families, friends, and more importantly, God. We can spend the day restoring our souls and minds, as well as being thankful and being reminded of our blessings. We should remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, as Jesus commands in the book of Mark.
