Rest is an important aspect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Bible offers guidance on the importance of rest and how it can honor God.
This article explores twelve powerful Bible verses about rest, including Exodus 20:8-10, Matthew 11:28-30, and Psalm 23.
It also discusses the concept of true rest coming from a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Additionally, the article suggests relevant Bible chapters to read for those seeking to learn more about rest.
Bible verses about rest
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about rest:
1. Exodus 20:8-10 – “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.”
2. Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
3. Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
4. Mark 6:31 – “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
5. Hebrews 4:9-11 – “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
6. Revelation 14:13 – “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
7. Psalm 127:2 – “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”
8. Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
9. Psalm 23:2-3 – “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
10. Exodus 33:14 – “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”
11. Psalm 4:8 – “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”
12. Ecclesiastes 5:12 – “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”
What does the Bible say about rest?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of rest as a way to honor God and replenish our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy.
It teaches that rest is not only a physical necessity but also a spiritual discipline that enables us to trust in God’s provision and sovereignty.
The Bible encourages us to set aside time for rest and worship, to prioritize rest over work, and to seek God’s restorative presence in times of weariness and stress.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that true rest comes from a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who offers us rest for our souls.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about rest?
1. Genesis 2:1-3 – This chapter describes how God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. It is relevant to rest because it shows that rest is an important part of God’s plan for creation and that we should also take time to rest.
2. Exodus 20:8-11 – This chapter includes the fourth commandment, which instructs us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. It is relevant to rest because it emphasizes the importance of setting aside time for rest and worship.
3. Psalm 23 – This chapter is a well-known psalm that describes God as a shepherd who leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. It is relevant to rest because it reminds us that God is the source of our rest and that we can find peace and comfort in Him.
4. Matthew 11:28-30 – This chapter includes Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and find rest for our souls. It is relevant to rest because it shows that true rest comes from a relationship with Jesus and that we can find rest even in the midst of life’s challenges.
5. Hebrews 4:1-11 – This chapter discusses the concept of entering God’s rest and how the Israelites failed to enter into it because of unbelief. It is relevant to rest because it encourages us to trust in God’s promises and to strive to enter into His rest through faith.
Ideas and concepts related to rest that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Sabbath: The concept of Sabbath is mentioned throughout the Bible, and it refers to a day of rest and worship. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest from work, and to remember and honor God’s creation and deliverance. In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the importance of Sabbath and taught that it was made for man’s benefit, not as a burden.
2. Peace: Rest is often associated with peace in the Bible. In Psalm 23, for example, the psalmist says that God leads him beside still waters and restores his soul. This sense of peace and restoration is also reflected in Jesus’ promise of peace to his followers in John 14:27.
3. Trust: Resting in God requires trust in his goodness and faithfulness. In Psalm 62, the psalmist says that his soul finds rest in God alone, and that he trusts in him completely. Similarly, Jesus invites his followers to come to him and find rest for their souls, promising that his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
4. Renewal: Rest is also associated with renewal and rejuvenation in the Bible. In Isaiah 40:31, for example, the prophet says that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. Similarly, in Psalm 103, the psalmist says that God satisfies his desires with good things and renews his youth like the eagle’s.
Overall, the Bible teaches that rest is not just a physical necessity, but a spiritual one as well. It is a time to remember and honor God, to find peace and renewal, and to trust in his goodness and faithfulness.
