Last week, I went on a trip. Other than some snorkel-specific anxieties, it was nice. I hadn’t completely unplugged from my work computer…in several years. Even when I was recovering from multiple thyroid cancer surgeries and radiation, I still managed to log in and check email, answer questions, and prep for my return. While I admit that this is completely bonkers behavior, it is hard to stop. So—thankfully—I finally had the chance to escape somewhere that my laptop couldn’t follow. And I learned about rest. It was a blessing. And blessings come from God. While soaking up the sun and recharging, I wondered, what does the Bible say about rest?
God insists that we rest
God Himself rested on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). In the same seven-day pattern, God commands that we rest one day each week on the Sabbath day: “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.” (Deuteronomy 5:15).
I do wonder if most of us take part in this weekly opportunity to refocus and regain our strength. I often fill the weekend with tasks and goals. Rest can be uncomfortable for the restless. Do we trust God that we will be okay…even better…if we follow His command?
Jesus is our Source of 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is secured over the necks of animals and affixed to a plow or cart. This object is heavy; and it literally binds you physically to your labor. If we are weary and burdened (I often am!), we can take His yoke. He says that it is easy, and His burden is light.
The middle part of this verse catches my attention. He says, “for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” This reads as if the qualities of gentleness and humility are what eases the burden and brings rest. Perhaps it is our hardness and ego that are weighing down our souls and making life so much more difficult than it has to be.
Rest is Supernatural
Last week, we covered Jesus’ extreme cool in stormy situations. He was actually napping when a “furious squall” broke over the boat (Mark 4:37). And why shouldn’t He nap. He created the wind and the waves and the squall. None of it was a surprise to Him.
While the disciples’ faith failed to impress during this event, they eventually learned to enter the Lord’s true rest. In Acts 12, Peter is arrested soon after Herod put James to death with the sword. Stakes were high—death could easily have been imminent. The night before his trial with Herod, while most would be sweating bullets, Peter was fast asleep. Thankfully, an angel broke Peter out of jail in this particular imprisonment (Acts 12:7). We can learn this peace as well.
Not only is rest extremely counterculture, but it is supernatural. Jesus said that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). And Paul describes the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7). So, it doesn’t have to be logical and life circumstances don’t have to back it up. It is given by God.
I remember preparing backstage to sing my first solo in front of an audience in junior high. A lump in my throat, I could not believe that I had agreed to do what I was about to do. My lovely choir teacher prayed with us and prayed that God would give us a peace that passed all understanding. And it happened. He calmed my heart. I felt serene. It was an actual supernatural peace. And now I pray that prayer whenever I am super nervous about something. God is a generous God, and He is the only source of true peace and rest.
Surrender is mandatory to enter true rest
Have you ever been worried about something all night? You toss and turn. The event inevitably passes, maybe even the worst outcome materializes…and yet, it is over. And then, you sleep. You sleep well. Looking back, you realize that you could have slept that well the whole time. Give it to God first. And really give it up. We can follow the Lord’s example and practice ending each prayer with, “not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42).
Psychologists say that worry is a form of control. If I’m not worrying about it…then I’m doing nothing, right? But if I am worrying, at least it feels subconsciously, that I am trying to aid the situation. It is a self-sabotaging mind game. And it isn’t real. It doesn’t help anything—but it does hurt you. Worry can take years from your life, induce illness, and distract from relationships and purpose.
Surrendering to God not only makes rational sense, but it honors Him and His place as God. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). One of my favorite verses, I was reminded of this truth continuously during the mandatory quarantine period of the pandemic. We had no choice but to be still. But He is still God. And He’s got it all taken care of. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21).
Connect to the Vine for replenishment
When Elijah was afraid that Jezebel would succeed in hunting him down…he was depleted (1 Kings 19:3). He escaped into the wilderness and asked God to take his life. Then he went to sleep. God did not take his life. Elijah didn’t need his problem taken away…he needed rest and replenishment. An angel prepared some baked bread and water for Elijah (twice!) in between naps. Elijah was strengthened. Enough for a 40-day journey.
But food and sleep were not all that Elijah needed. That 40-day journey led to Horeb, the mountain of God. Elijah needed God’s presence, His voice. The Lord passed by…not in hurricane-force winds, nor in an earthquake, nor in a fire…but a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). God gave Elijah guidance, direction, and strength enough to fulfill the rest of his purpose.
While physical rest is mandatory…it also isn’t enough. Man does not live by bread alone…we need rest for our souls (Matthew 11).
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
So rest. But seek the Lord. Put on some worship music. Get alone in your room, close the door, and sit in the quiet (Matthew 6:6). Pray, journal, replenish your soul.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8).
I hope you enjoyed reading what does the Bible says about rest? Continue diving deep with Christian Sabbath (a how-to guide) and What does the Bible say about offense?
