In today’s world, there are many popular ideas about what it means to rest. I often see messages about why it’s important for us and the catastrophic consequences to our mental and physical health if we don’t prioritize rest. Indeed, there is a mountain of scientific research that backs up these claims and as a mental health counselor I wholeheartedly agree with this evidence. But what does “rest” mean from a Biblical perspective? Below I’ve outlined 3 Ways I believe God wants us to rest.

1. Rest encourages us to be present in our lives

As a Christian counselor, I often see clients who struggle with the idea of rest. It feels “selfish” to rest, as we are called to be servants and, as Christians, to “die to ourselves.” We are so inundated with worldly ideas of what rest means, that most of us have come to understand it to be synonymous with indulgence. We envision ourselves sprawled out on the couch with a fire crackling and a movie playing on the TV. Or we picture a four-hour nap in the middle of the afternoon. Some of us long for a luxurious bubble bath behind a locked door, safe from husbands and kids. I could go on, but I think my point is clear: we seek activities that allow us to disengage from our minds, our bodies, and our relationships. And we feel guilty for wanting these things, I think, because we know deep down that they won’t truly satisfy what our souls are craving. 

I think it is important to stop and ask ourselves–why do I want to disengage from my life? Am I tired all the time? Do I find it boring? Is it overwhelming me? And most importantly – what do I really need right now? Stopping long enough to be present with our own thoughts, physical sensations, and relationships allows us to really take stock of our lives. Sometimes this practice can heighten our awareness of a pain we’ve been avoiding, but it can also enhance a joy or blessing we aren’t slowing down long enough to notice. The Bible tells us in Genesis 2:2-3 that on the seventh day, “God had finished the work he had been doing; so … he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done (NIV).” The word “rested” in this passage of scripture is not implying that God was weary or depleted and needed to restore his mental and physical resources. It’s telling us that God’s creative work was complete, and it was time for him to stop, reflect, and be present with all the beauty he had created. We are creators with God, and He wants us, too, to stop from time-to-time, to reflect on both the work we are doing in the world, but also His work in our lives. To take note of the pains and the blessings, both of which inform us of what areas of our lives still need work.

2. Rest reminds us we aren’t God

As human beings, most of us need around 8 hours of sleep every day. Spoiler alert: you cannot survive without sleep. I have said for years that there are two pillars to mental health: sleep and physical nourishment through food. Sleep is a daily reminder that we are finite, limited beings. Is there another time in our day when we are more vulnerable? We lay unconscious in a dark room for hours every night, and if we don’t–our health fails. It’s an activity that points us back to our infinite Creator and demonstrates our faith in His ultimate power in our lives. Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety,” and Psalm 127:2 says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” 

No matter how many hours of hard work we put in, no matter how many anxious thoughts we think, we cannot both trust God with our lives AND be in control of them. Through sleep we surrender our burdens to His faithfulness.

God also gives us the gift of Sabbath rest. John Piper talks about how the Sabbath was a gift to the people of ancient times, who were “‘agricultural people whose lives depended on working the land’ … [the Sabbath gift said], ‘Not only don’t you have to go to work today, you may not go to work today’ … that is exactly the way it would have landed on people at least at the beginning. ‘You may not work seven days a week. I won’t let you. You must rest.’ And then he consecrated the Sabbath to himself as a sign of his own creative power and holiness. But the underlying issue of its gift nature to us — a worn out, finite, tired, and agricultural people — remains (John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/a-theology-of-vacations).”

3. Rest recharges us for Kingdom Work

The Bible has a lot to say about work, as well as those who refuse to work. Even before the Fall of Man in the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given jobs to do. God created us with an inherent drive to work. And Jesus gives us an even greater mission, saying in John 9:4 – “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” Jesus is urging us to engage in what I like to call “Kingdom Work.” Kingdom Work includes activities that we engage in to advance the Kingdom of God. But God does not want us to do our work poorly, or with a weary, worn-out heart. Galatians 6:9 hints at this truth: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

If you’re honest, how often do you take an entire day to stop doing, in order to simply take in the beautiful gift of salvation? Jesus created a new opportunity for us to enjoy fellowship with God, and all we are asked to do is show up through faith in order to rest in that peace. Taking a bubble bath may restore our bodies, a nap may rest our minds, but resting in the peace of salvation restores our souls. 

If you are reading this, I want to invite you to set aside some time over the next few days to engage in Sabbath rest. Reflect on the perfect creation and incredible gift of salvation given to you through Jesus. What good work is God doing through you? What good work do you see God doing through others for you? How is the Gospel saving you right now?

(Disclaimer: I am not a theologian or expert when it comes to interpreting scripture. The opinions expressed here are my own interpretations and I am completely open to having them challenged and corrected.)

Visit redeemingevecounseling.com to learn more about my counseling practice and my heart for helping women find more freedom in their lives.

-Written by Kendra Corey, MA, LMHC, owner of Redeeming Eve Counseling, LLC