I've been changing my mind on rest. I used to think the more I could get done the better. After all are we not told to not waste our life? But I no longer think that is how God sees it. From the very beginning, rest was built into the rhythm of life. It’s not optional. It’s essential.
Whether it’s a full week of vacation, a quiet Saturday with no obligations, or simply honoring the Sabbath each week, taking time to slow down isn’t just good for us, it’s commanded by God. And if we ignore that, we pay the price: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Burnout Is Real
Most of us don’t need convincing that we’re too busy. We feel it in our bones. The constant rush: work deadlines, family obligations, errands, emails, texts, and scrolling through endless to-do lists eventually catches up with us. We lose our joy, our patience gets thin, and our spiritual life dries up.
Even just a day or two of intentional rest can make a major difference in how we think, feel, and function. Our minds reset. Our attitudes shift. We find perspective. And often, that’s when we finally hear God’s voice again.
What Does the Bible Say About Rest?
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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.” – Genesis 2:2
If the Creator of the universe took time to rest, who are we to think we don’t need to?
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The Sabbath Was Made for Us
“Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’” – Mark 2:27
The Sabbath isn’t about legalism — it’s a gift. A day to stop, reflect, recharge, and reconnect with God and the people we love.
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Jesus Took Time Away
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
Even the Son of God stepped away from the crowds to rest and recharge. If He needed it, so do we.
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Come to Me and Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
True rest — the kind that restores your soul — only comes from Jesus. He offers rest that no vacation or nap can match.
Rest Is Productive
I've bought into the lie that the more we do, the more we’re worth, maybe you have also. But real productivity comes from working out of a place of peace, not exhaustion. When we’re rested, we’re more present. More kind. More creative. More faithful.
So go ahead, take the trip, turn off the phone. sit in a chair with a Bible and no agenda, take a walk, enjoy a Sunday nap. Don’t apologize for it.
You weren’t made to run 24/7. You were made for rhythm. For seasons. For work and rest.
Final Thought:
Taking time to rest isn’t selfish. It’s obedient. It’s wise. And it’s what allows us to keep showing up for the people God has called us to serve.
So this week, take a breath. Step away. Honor the Sabbath. Not just because you’re tired — but because rest is holy.
