What God’s First Example Teaches Us About Rest and Renewal.
Have you ever looked at your weekly to-do list and thought, “I wish I could just hit pause”? Life feels crazy sometimes, doesn’t it? Work, family, errands, messages – sometimes it feels like you finish one thing and three more pop up in its place!
You know that feeling, right?
The first time God talks about rest in the Bible is literally in the first couple of chapters. The Bible specifically tells us that after six days of work, God didn’t barrel on to His next task. Instead, He stopped. He “rested from all His work.” This idea is so valuable and important that later, God commanded humans to do exactly the same thing: to stop and rest.
I love how this detail isn’t hidden or stuck somewhere in the middle of the Bible, but rather it’s right there at the beginning. God is giving us a real-life, hands-on example, teaching us how to live well. God doesn’t tell us to rest because we’re lazy, or because we couldn’t possibly work a little more, but because rest matters.
When you slow down to recharge, your body gets stronger, your mind becomes clearer, and your spirit feels lighter. You get to enjoy what’s right in front of you instead of just speeding through to your next task. Rest allows you to reflect and appreciate the world and people around you so that when it’s time to work again, you can approach it with fresh passion and a new sense of excitement and excellence!
The Scripture
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)
Faith in Action: Why Rest (Really) Matters
The idea of rest sounds simple, but for a lot of people, it really is tough! Our world glorifies “busy”. There’s always another email, another load of laundry, another To-Do lurking in the background. Couple that with the “hustle” culture that encourages you to do more and be more, keep fighting and never stop, and it’s no wonder we often end feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Rest? Well, that sounds… unproductive, maybe even irresponsible, or even a little lazy.
But here’s what happens when we don’t rest:
- We wear down, physically and emotionally.
- Our creativity dries up.
- We get cranky, impatient, and overwhelmed.
- Our connection with God and others frays at the edges.
God’s plan for us includes rest on purpose. It’s not just for special family events or the last day of vacation. It’s for every week – a sacred pause. To remind you: You are more than what you can accomplish. God loves you at rest just as much as He loves you at work.
Practical Tips For Biblical Rest
- Schedule it. If you don’t plan to rest, it probably won’t happen, so set aside a specific time each week specifically to rest, and honor it like any other appointment. Making rest a priority can help it become a “new normal” in your routine.
- Unplug and disconnect. Give yourself permission to turn off notifications. Try a short “tech fast” if needed by stepping away from emails and devices so your mind can truly rest too.
- Choose rest, not just different busyness. Be careful not to let your “day of rest” get filled up with new obligations or activities – whether it’s errands, chores, or even stacked-up church events. True rest means allowing your soul, mind, and body to slow down, reflect, and recharge. Protect your rest time and give yourself permission to simply be still.
- Reflect and celebrate. Take time to notice and thank God for what He’s done in your life this week, no matter how big or small. There’s nothing like a dose of gratitude to revive your tired spirit!
- Connect with God and others. Use this special time to grow closer to God – pray, worship, read His Word. Also, invest in your relationships with family or friends. Rest isn’t always just about being alone; sometimes it can be found in connecting with the people you love.
- Rest is about trust. When you take time to rest, you’re declaring, “God, I trust You to run the world without me for a day.” That act of faith not only honors God but it also reminds you that He’s ultimately in control.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God chose to rest after creating the world, even though He is all-powerful and never gets tired? Do you think it was just as an example for us, or do you think He also wanted to take time out to admire and reflect on His creation? Could there have been another reason?
- When was the last time your body or soul truly felt rested? What was different about that day?
- How does our culture’s view of rest compare to what we see here in Genesis?
- What are some obstacles that keep you from regular, intentional rest?
- How would your life, work, and relationships change if you practiced regular, Sabbath-style rest?
- What would “sacred” rest look like for you – not just physical, but emotional and spiritual rest and renewal?
- What’s one practical step you can take this week to honor God’s pattern of rest?
Affirmation
Rest is good, rest is holy, and rest is God’s idea.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me that real rest is part of Your beautiful design. Forgive me for running myself ragged and forgetting to pause. Teach me that I am valuable, not because of what I do, but because You call me Yours. Help me put aside distractions, anxiety, and the lie that I have to earn Your love by working harder. Remind me, especially when life is busy, that You want me to enjoy Your presence and refuel my soul. Lead me into a new rhythm and routine – one where I work with passion and rest with trust. Restore me, body, mind, and spirit.
I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
