30 bible verses about resting (With Explanation)

Bible Commentary Biblical Lessons

Today we will talk about Bible verses about resting. In our busy lives today, it can be easy to forget to take a break and rest. However, the Bible teaches us how important it is to find time to recharge, both physically and spiritually. Resting is not just about taking a nap; it’s a holistic approach that includes our mind, body, and soul. As we read through these verses, let’s be open to understanding how rest can lead us closer to God and His purpose for our lives. When we pause and reflect, we allow the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in our hearts. So, let’s explore together how God speaks about resting in His Word!

Bible Verses About Resting

Trusting God’s Plan

When it comes to resting, we often need to remind ourselves to trust in God’s plans. Life can be overwhelming, making it difficult for us to find peace and solace. However, when we lean into our faith and trust that God has everything under control, we can truly rest. God’s promise to take care of our needs allows us to lay our burdens down and enjoy the peace that only He can provide. By acknowledging that it’s not all up to us, we can breathe a little easier and experience the rest that God intends for each of us.

Psalm 37:7

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” – Psalm 37:7

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Hebrews 4:9-10

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” – Hebrews 4:9-10

Resting in God’s Presence

Finding rest in God’s presence is an incredible gift we should cherish. We often seek comfort in various places, but nothing compares to spending time with our Creator. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we can experience a deep sense of peace and rejuvenation. His presence allows us to recharge our weary spirits, giving us strength to continue our journey. Taking time to rest in the Lord opens our hearts to receive His love and grace, reminding us of how deeply known and valued we are.

Psalm 23:2-3

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3

Exodus 33:14

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” – Exodus 33:14

Psalm 62:1

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” – Psalm 62:1

Matthew 6:6

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

Psalm 91:1

“Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

Sabbath Rest

Observing a Sabbath rest is a practice that has been established since creation. God modeled rest for us on the seventh day and called it holy. When we take time to step back from our daily responsibilities, we allow ourselves to reconnect with God and refocus on what truly matters. Sabbath rest provides us with the opportunity to recharge and reflect. Setting aside time each week to rest and worship brings balance and helps us maintain a healthy relationship with God and others. Embracing this rhythm of work and rest restores our minds and spirits.

Genesis 2:2-3

“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

Exodus 20:8

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” – Exodus 20:8

Mark 2:27

“Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'” – Mark 2:27

Hebrews 4:4

“For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: ‘On the seventh day God rested from all his works.'” – Hebrews 4:4

Isaiah 58:13-14

“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” – Isaiah 58:13-14

Finding Strength in Rest

Sometimes we think that resting is a sign of weakness, but really, it’s a courageous step towards strength. When we acknowledge that we need to recharge, we are being honest with ourselves and honoring the needs of our bodies and souls. Resting gives us the strength to continue on our journey and helps us to face the challenges ahead. God empowers us in our weakness and replenishes our energy when we take the time to rest in Him. By recognizing that our strength comes from the Lord, we can find comfort and courage in letting go.

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Exodus 23:12

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” – Exodus 23:12

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Psalm 127:2

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” – Psalm 127:2

Isaiah 30:15

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.'” – Isaiah 30:15

Restoration Through Rest

Rest isn’t just a pause; it can also be a time of restoration. As we step away from the hustle and bustle, we can create space for healing and renewal. God promises that when we rest in Him, we will be rejuvenated and restored. This renewal goes beyond our physical being; it affects our emotional and spiritual health too. Just like our bodies need sleep to recover, our souls need moments of tranquility to thrive. By allowing God to restore us during our rest, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and invite His transformative power into our lives.

Jeremiah 31:25

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” – Jeremiah 31:25

Matthew 11:29

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29

Psalm 23:3

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3

Isaiah 40:29

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29

2 Corinthians 4:16

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16

The Gift of Pause

In our fast-paced world, taking a pause can seem counterproductive, but it’s truly a gift. God invites us to put down our to-do lists and simply be in His presence. This pause allows us to reflect on His goodness, aligning our hearts back with His will. Embracing moments of stillness helps us gain clarity and perspective. It’s in these moments that we often hear the still, small voice of God guiding us along our path. Embracing the gift of pause transforms our restless hearts into peaceful souls.

Psalm 46:10

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'” – Psalm 46:10

Luke 5:16

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16

Psalm 131:2

“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” – Psalm 131:2

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Mindful Resting

Resting mindfully allows us to engage not just in physical relaxation but also in mental and spiritual recuperation. It involves being present and intentional about our time away from daily stresses. God teaches us to take moments to breathe deeply, reflect, and appreciate the beauty around us. As we practice mindfulness in our rest, we learn to see God’s fingerprints in our lives. This intentionality invites peace into our hearts and helps us to connect with God’s plan in profound ways.

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Colossians 3:2

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

Psalm 145:5

“They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.” – Psalm 145:5

Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

The Power of Community in Rest

Resting is not just an individualistic practice; it’s also a community event! God created us for connection and fellowship, and taking time to rest together can strengthen our bonds. When we gather as friends or family to pause and enjoy time together, we uplift one another and create lasting memories. Community rest allows us to share burdens, celebrate joy, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. By embracing rest as a community, we cultivate deeper relationships and encourage one another to draw closer to God.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

Acts 2:46-47

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” – Acts 2:46-47

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Final Thoughts

Resting is vital for our lives, and God invites us to take time to pause, recharge, and rejuvenate. Through the verses we’ve explored, we see that resting is not a sign of weakness but rather an essential part of our journey in faith. By trusting in God’s plans, resting in His presence, practicing Sabbath, and finding strength through rest, we grow closer to Him. Furthermore, we learn to embrace community, share our burdens, and uplift one another in this beautiful gift of rest.

As we move forward, let’s remember to weave moments of rest into our lives intentionally. Whether it’s spending time in prayer, embracing nature, or simply enjoying company with friends and family, let us prioritize rest. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s rhythm for our lives, allowing His peace and strength to fill us anew.

In every season, may we find rest in the arms of our Savior and surface renewed to fulfill God’s purpose and plans for us. Amen!

Further Reading

  • Bible Verses About Letting Go Of Someone You Love
  • Bible Verses About Communion
  • 30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

    4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4