It is vacation time. Maybe you already went on holiday, maybe you are on holiday now, or maybe you are going soon. No matter what: it is important to take time for rest. A time of peace and quiet.
But… what does the Bible say about rest and relaxing?
Here are some reasons why rest is more important than you think:
Reason 1) God gave us the example of resting
“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.” (Genesis 2:2)
God rested on the seventh day from His work. That was an example for us. Take moments to rest, to enjoy what you have done, and to enjoy the silence.
Reason 2) God gave rest as a command
“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: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.” (Exodus 20:8-10)
God knows that rest is good for us. That’s why He told the people of Israel to have one day of rest each week. A day when nobody had to work. We also need times of rest. A time with no work or duties. That’s wonderful, isn’t it?
Reason 3) Jesus took time to rest
“Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 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.” (Mark 6:30-31)
When Jesus was on earth, He often took time to rest. He went to quiet places, often in the desert, to pray and recover. If Jesus needed rest, how much more do we?
Reason 4) God wants you to sleep well
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
What is the best kind of rest? Sleep! God wants your sleep to be peaceful and calm. He wants you to sleep without fear and enjoy real rest. Even during your holiday, you may enjoy deep rest.
Reason 5) God speaks in the silence
“And after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings 19:12-13)
Vacation is not only a time to rest, but also a chance to hear the voice of God. You don’t need to answer emails, solve problems, or finish tasks. Your heart and mind become quiet. What a beautiful time to be still and hear God’s voice. To think about what really matters: your relationship with God.
I hope this short study has blessed you and that you will really enjoy your rest.
Remember: God put the need for rest inside of you. After working hard, you are allowed to enjoy it.
You don’t have to do anything now. You may simply enjoy the silence, the peace, and the voice of God!