When Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He provided the final word on the work for redemption. . Our works cannot save us (Ephesians 2:8-9). As God’s creative work is described in the Genesis account, the pattern to end each day states “And there was evening and there was morning.” This rhythm is reversed from how we perceive our day. 91:1, “Repent therefore, and turn back…that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” Acts 3:19-20, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Father, help me to keep my mind on you and how big you are when my circumstances start to weigh me down, You are God Almighty. Therefore, people also need rest. The command to rest was not an excuse to be lazy. What does it mean that God worked for six days and then rested on the seventh? These Bible verses about rest will tell us what the Bible says about taking care of our bodies through rest. 7 Bible Verses About Balancing Work and Family. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:28-29). The latter looks forward to the remainder of the verse, the purport of which is that the rest exists, and that "entering into the rest" may still be spoken of. However, in Jesus’ own life, and throughout scripture, we don’t see “balance.” What we do see is rhythms of work, rest and celebration, all centered on loving God and others. Proverbs 14:23 ESV / 1,136 helpful votes. Our physical body is a gift from God. And yet, I still get anxious. The seventh day of creation provides a reminder of a perfect relationship with God, resting in a reflection of His work for us. And some translations tell us to ‘make every effort’. We must relinquish our attempts at earning an identity through our work and rest in the identity God provides as loved by Him and free to rest in His provision and care. . When you’re feeling exhausted after an impossibly long day of work, you can find rest in verses that remind us of God’s peace, provision, and love. He doesn’t rush around to fix everything for everyone. The fallacy of the Law is the idea that through hard work and personal effort I can keep the Law and earn my salvation, but as Paul explains in Romans 3:19-20, it is not possible to keep the Law. God desires rest for us because it does not come naturally to us. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. To remember you are sovereign and in control of everything. The problem with the work-life "balance" concept is the image of two competing forces: one always prevails over the other, except for those rare moments when "life" and "work" are in perfect tension. The Bible strongly encourages rest and relaxation. Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40). After the Fall, our need for this structure is even greater as we seek to find our purpose through our work and in our independence from a relationship with God. The origin of work is depicted in the book of Genesis. In the New Testament, it is also said that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. God rested to establish a pattern for us to follow in enjoying the goodness of our created being without the need for being productive. In fact, the Bible doesn't make a dichotomy between work and life because in the ancient world, work, life and family life were often integrated. Jesus didn't tell any parables like that. Hebrews 4:3 says it this way: For we who have believed enter that rest… Workplace Christians who wonder if the Bible s Sabbath commandments still apply to us today will find this to be a practical, meditative, and helpful guide. 6:24-26. Some Bible translations say in Hebrews 4:11 that we should ‘strive’ to receive God’s rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. You would think the Bible has a lot to say about work-life balance. God did not rest on the seventh day because the six days of creation wore Him out. Jesus, help me be fully present in all the areas of life that you’ve called me to. We rest in God’s grace because the work of our salvation has been accomplished at the cross (Ephesians 2:13-16). 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. New Testament Bible Verses on Rest . – Hebrews 4:11. . But beyond this functional recognition lies the eternal design in which we yearn for the restoration and redemption of our bodies “to be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). 23:1-6, "Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” Ecc. This signifies that God’s work of creation came to a successful conclusion. 33:14, “…for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Ps. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight since through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Heb 3:19-20). All rights reserved. No? Our challenge is not how to balance “work” and “life” so much as how to live a balanced, fruitful life that comprises healthy, blessed rhythms of work, rest and play. Resting in the Lord means stopping our attempts at independence, which are futile anyway, and trusting that God does love us and knows what is best for us. Complete Jewish Bible She said, ‘Please, let me glean and gather what falls from the sheaves behind the reapers.' Finding True Rest. 4:6-7, 9, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”  Is. We can’t get it all done, even with 24 hours a day and seven days a week. You can’t understand one without the other. We can’t do it all. We are not what we accomplish. (3) For we which have believed.--The emphasis is two-fold, resting both on "believed" and on "we enter." In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. . Independence is an illusion, but dependence on God results in life and freedom through righteousness (Romans 6:18-19). 40:29-31, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Ps. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. With the inclusion of the Sabbath, though, God also established a priority in our identity and value. Genesis 2:2 Context. In the creation account, God established a rhythm for us to follow, both in our work and in our rest, to maintain our effectiveness and purpose as created in His image. In an agrarian society, as was the case in Genesis and through much of human history, evening meant to rest and sleep because it was dark, and you couldn’t work at night. We can rest in the Lord when the world is upside down because He loves us and because we can depend on Him. 31 Powerful Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ...” Ps. The word that is used of God resting on the seventh day in Genesis 2:2 is Sabbath, the same word that will be used later calling Israel to cease from their normal activities. Millions of us are working so much that our lives feel off kilter, our bodies tired, our spirits depleted, our souls drained, our relationships strained. So, what on earth is the meaning of “rest” in the Bible? Ordering, organizing, naming, and subduing God’s good creation establish man’s role as God’s representative within His creation, ruling the earth. He restores my soul. When I feel weak, you will give me power. The word that is used of God resting on the seventh day in Genesis 2:2 is Sabbath, the same word that will be used later calling Israel to cease from their normal activities. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. How to Rest in the Lord When Your World Is Upside Down. It is easy to feel like the disciples on the Sea of Galilee in the chaos and storm of the world around us. The purpose of the Law was not to provide a means of salvation, but so that “the whole world may be held accountable to God. Sabbath rest requires our acknowledgment that God is in control and we are not and our observance of Sabbath rest than becomes a reflection and celebration of this provision and not just a cessation of work. Christ’s resurrection established a new creation order, shifting the focus from ending creation with rest on the Sabbath to resurrection and new birth on the first day of the week. Ultimately, this rest can only be found in … Help save a baby's life! It sees work and rest as opposite sides of the same coin. In the opening passage, God is the primary worker, busy with the creation of the world (Genesis 1:1-15). To ‘strive’ means to struggle, or to work hard. Rest is spiritual intimacy.” I’ve often heard people say that they don’t feel like they … God you are Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. But take it from someone who’s burnt out, that’s a total farce. In Mark 4, the disciples have been following Jesus and listening while He taught large crowds about faith and dependence on God using parables. He knows He needs to connect to His Father, to pour out His heart to Him, to rest in the comfort of His arms as He grieves the loss of John the Baptist. God invites us into a deliberate pattern of regular rest. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest… Now the rest of God is not a rest from work—it’s a rest in work. Seth, his wife, Jen, and their two middle school children enjoy outdoor activities, reading together as a family, board games, and meeting people through Jen’s pottery business at galleries and festivals. In the next 10 days, we’ll explore some elements of a healthy, godly life rhythm, as well as some of the things that can keep us in unsustainable ruts. Psalm 127:2 ESV / 1,586 helpful votes. These small patterns of rest (Sabbath) provide the space in which we are free to reflect on the gift of God’s provision of life, purpose, and salvation. Take a look at what the Bible says about rest. 2:14, “…the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”  Rom. 7 Truths You Need to Cling to in a Divided Nation. The Bible talks about work and rest in the same breath. In Jesus, we enjoy the deep-seated rest of knowing that our life is fully and completely in God’s care, and that our true identity is found in belonging to Jesus. We may acknowledge our need for Jesus for eternal salvation, but until we also relinquish control of our identity and practice in our temporal practice, then we don’t truly rest and put our trust in Him. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us … Today, many of us seek “work-life balance” because we yearn to find not just balance in our lives, but also health, wholeness and joy. All God’s people and their servants and the animals were to have one day in seven to rest. Once again we see Jesus leave the crowd, with work still to be done, to take care of what is important. By putting evening first, God established the importance of prioritizing physical rest as a prerequisite for effective work. From this time of instruction, Jesus moves with the disciples to application by falling asleep on their boat during a terrifying storm. Merriam-Webster also defines "relaxation" as "the state of being free from tension and anxiety." In stark contrast to the assertions of Bob Black, the significance and beneficial nature of work is a resounding theme in the Bible. God, You tell me in John 14:1 that I should not let my heart be troubled. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...the God of peace will be with you." Have you not heard? God established a rhythm to the days of creation that the Jewish people continue to follow which demonstrates a contrast to an American perspective on work. The verb "rest" is defined by Merriam-Webster as "to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength." 29:11, “For He Himself is our peace…”  Eph. Amen. 4:6, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Ps. What is the implication, then, of practicing your day in reverse? Phil. In fact, the Bible doesn't make a dichotomy between work and life because in the ancient world, work, life and family life were often integrated. “Rest isn’t failure. God first set the example, and then offered it as a blessing to man. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources. Stimulants like caffeine and sugar provide the means to get moving in the morning while sleeping pills, alcohol, and herbal remedies enable us to forcibly shut down our bodies and minds to get fitful sleep before starting it all over again because, as the motto says, “You can sleep when you are dead.” But is this what God intended when He created man in His image in the Garden? A1. He leads me beside still waters. In establishing the Sabbath as the fourth commandment in Exodus 20, God is also demonstrating a contrast for the Israelites from their role as slaves in Egypt in which work was mandated hardship to demonstrate His love and provision as His people. In fact, you love it when you work out the impossible. Our culture basks in busyness, wearing stress and lack of sleep like a badge of honor. Father, sometimes I can’t rest because what I face looks impossible. King Solomon was inspired to write: “There is an appointed time for . 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. People thrive when we work … Help me to rest in You, Lord. We assume that if God truly cared about us, He would prevent the storms we experience and keep the world calm and still. It’s partnering with God to do what He is calling you to do by His grace, and leaving the part you can’t do in His hands, trusting Him to do it. Our attempt at identity through work is but a snapshot of our attempt at identity and salvation as independent from God. We start our days in the morning and end our days at night, expending energy throughout the day to collapse when the work is done. Does God Really Close Doors and Open Windows for Us? Father, you say in Philippians 4:6-8, to be anxious for nothing, but when I tell my requests to you, you will give your peace. Resting in the Lord means placing your faith and identity in His provision, physically and eternally (Ephesians 2:8). This Bible study examines the meaning and place of rest and work in the Bible, providing a relevant roadmap for our everyday lives. We are not our job title. These translations seem wrong. 8:6, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. They do not agree with Hebrews 4:10, which tells us to stop our own works. Work provides our identity with busyness assuring our status. The problem with the work-life "balance" concept is the image of two competing forces: one always prevails over the other, except for those rare moments when "life" and "work" are in perfect tension. Resting in the Lord means depending fully on His provision and plan even while the world swirls around us in constant chaos. In choosing to take the fruit, Adam and Eve chose independence over dependence on God and we continue to struggle with this choice every day. And this is the meaning of the words “he had rested … While we think we can be free and independent from God, we are dependent and slaves to sin (Romans 6:16). 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. God is very serious about rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matt. Hence, we should take care of it by having a good rest. Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. Confessions of A Burnt Out Missionary In America, being busy and working so hard that you don’t rest is seen as a badge of honor. Workplace Christians who wonder if the Bible’s Sabbath commandments still apply to us today will find this to be a practical, meditative, and helpful guide. It had to be you. You can hold onto this truth: no matter how crazy things are, God will be with you. And yet, you tell me in Luke 18:27 the things that are impossible with men are possible with you. As the news regularly reports, more than half of Americans don’t use their allotted vacation days and are likely to bring work with them when they do take a vacation. It is in the storms that we are reminded of our weakness and dependence and through His provision that God demonstrates His love. What Are "Signs and Wonders" of the End Times? This shift in the understanding of rest as dependence on God and consideration of His provision, love, and care in contrast to our pursuit of independence, identity, and purpose through work has important physical implications, as we have noted, but has ultimate critical spiritual implications as well. Seth L. Scott, PhD, NCC, LPC-S is an associate professor of clinical mental health counseling at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina and provides clinical counseling and supervision in the community through his counseling practice, Sunrise Counseling. The former looks back to Hebrews 4:2, "by faith"--"for it is we who believed that enter." 14:30, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”  Is. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating … When God saw all He had created, His heart gained comfort, satisfaction and happiness, and He stopped all His work and entered into rest. Jesus used the parable of the sower to explain how distraction, fear, persecution, worry, or even Satan can disrupt the process of belief and acceptance of the gospel in our lives. Article Images Copyright ©. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 113:3, “A heart at peace gives life to the body…”  Prov. From this new creation we wait for the next Sabbath, the final rest in which our representation as God’s image-bearers on earth is restored with a new heaven and new earth (Hebrews 4:9-11; Revelation 21:1-3). The serpent’s temptation to Eve exposed the challenge of dependence with the consideration of whether we rest in God’s wisdom or whether we want to be like God and make the choice of good and evil for ourselves (Genesis 3:5). 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