What the Bible Says About Rest

In a culture that runs on busyness, rest can feel like falling behind. The Bible treats it as a gift God built into the world from the beginning.

And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested.

Genesis 2:2 (ASV)

God rested on the seventh day to set the pattern for everything that followed, which means rest was built into the world from the start.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 (ASV)

Jesus offers rest to the people who are worn out and carrying too much, and the invitation is to come to Him as you are.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul.

Psalm 23:2-3 (ASV)

The shepherd lays His sheep down in green pastures and restores their souls, which is God tending to the worn-out inside of you and giving it back its rest.

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For Jehovah hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psalm 116:7 (ASV)

The psalmist calls his soul back to its rest because God has dealt bountifully with him, so the deepest rest is found in turning back to a God who has been good to you.

God offers you this rest now, before the to-do list is done. Take Him up on it.