Rest: A Gift from God

Rest and Sleep Are Important

In today’s world, where success is often associated with long hours of work, late nights, and constant hustle, many people overlook the importance of rest and sleep. However, from a biblical perspective, rest is not a sign of laziness; it is a divine principle that God Himself established for human well-being.

Psalm 127:2 (NKJV) says:

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.”

This verse highlights the futility of overworking at the expense of rest. It reminds us that while diligence is necessary, striving endlessly without trusting in God’s provision leads to unnecessary stress and exhaustion. God designed rest as His gift to us, and embracing it shows that we trust Him to take care of us.

1. God Established the Principle of Rest

The concept of rest is deeply rooted in the Bible. In Genesis 2:2-3 (NKJV), we see that even God rested after creating the world:

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”

God did not rest because He was tired. God is immortal. God is eternal. God is self-sufficient. He never gets tired, neither does He need to sleep (“Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4)—He rested to establish a model for humanity. This shows us that rest is not just necessary but holy and ordained by God.

2. Jesus Practiced Rest

Throughout His ministry, Jesus took time to rest, even in the midst of a demanding schedule. Mark 6:31 (NKJV) says:

“And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”

Jesus understood that constant work without rest leads to burnout. Sadly, many believers work constantly in their jobs, and in their roles at home or church, and never taking time to rest leading to a diagnosis of stress where they are forced to take time out from their demanding schedule.

Even though Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, had the most important and busiest mission on earth, He modelled the necessity of stepping away from work, spending quiet time, and restoring physical and mental strength. If Jesus needed rest, how much more do we?

3. The Physical and Mental Benefits of Sleep

Modern science confirms what the Bible teaches about the importance of sleep. When we neglect sleep, we suffer from:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Weakening of the immune system, leading to sickness
• Poor concentration and reduced productivity
• Emotional instability and irritability
• Higher risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes

God, in His wisdom, created the body to function optimally with adequate rest. When we obey His principle of rest, we reap physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

4. Overworking Without Rest is Dangerous

Many people push themselves beyond their limits due to financial pressure, career ambitions, or personal obligations. However, Exodus 23:12 (NKJV) warns against overworking:

“Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.”

This shows that rest is necessary not just for spiritual reasons but also for refreshing and restoration. Without rest, even the strongest person or the most prayerful or anointed person will eventually collapse.

5. Rest Shows Trust in God

Many people avoid rest because they feel they must always be in control. However, choosing to rest is an act of faith. It acknowledges that while we work hard, God is ultimately our provider. Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-32 (NKJV):

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”

This means we don’t need to overwork ourselves out of fear. Instead, we should do our part and trust God to take care of the rest.

6. Sabbath Rest: A Spiritual and Physical Necessity

In the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to observe the Sabbath—a day of complete rest. Exodus 20:8-10 (NKJV) says:

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work…”

Although we are not under the Old Testament law, the principle remains: setting aside intentional rest (whether a day or time each week) refreshes us and allows us to reconnect with God. It prevents exhaustion and helps maintain a healthy balance in life.

7. Practical Ways to Embrace Biblical Rest

To apply this principle, we should:
✔ Prioritise Sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
✔ Take Breaks During Work – Even short breaks can improve productivity and prevent fatigue.
✔ Spend Quiet Time with God – Prayer and meditation on God’s word bring peace to the mind and soul.
✔ Observe a Day of Rest – Use a day each week for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal.
✔ Avoid the Culture of Overwork – Do not let the pressure of success steal your God-given rest.

Conclusion: Rest is a Gift from God

Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. God desires His children to live healthy, balanced lives. Overworking and neglecting rest leads to exhaustion, stress, and weakened faith. But when we embrace rest as God’s design, we enjoy better health, stronger faith, and renewed strength for the journey ahead.

Please take time to meditate on the bible verse below. God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen

 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV)

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name. Amen

Prayer: Father, please grant me rest and peace in all areas of my life, in Jesus Name

Feast of Light Word Ministry