By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

Who has time to rest anymore? Our society is constantly on the go. There’s always something on the to-do list, somewhere to be, someone to see. Busyness has become a badge of honor.

During the pandemic, many people found themselves with forced downtime. They filled their free time with cooking and baking, knitting and drawing, cleaning and organizing, all kinds of activities. Even while we were confined to our homes, we couldn’t stop and rest!

God wants us to rest. In fact, God commands us to rest.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Nap

At the very beginning of Genesis, God is working. God creates the heavens and the earth and fills them with all manner of plants and animals. God creates mankind, both men and women, giving them dominion over the earth. And when God was done, God rested: “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. 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” (Genesis 2:2-3 KJV).

If God rested, then rest must be good! So why are we wearing ourselves out instead? Do we even know how to rest?

Probably not. While it can be relaxing to read a book or watch a movie, it’s not technically resting, not in the way God wants us to rest. Rest for Christians should be focused on the Lord. It should be sacred, holy time away from the drudgery of everyday responsibilities. Some people call it their quiet time or prayer time. It’s the time they spend far away from distractions while they read the Bible or talk to God.

It’s also time to take care of yourself. You were made in the image of God. Your physical form is both a gift and a temple housing the Spirit of the Lord. Take care of it and rest! Be sure to get an adequate amount of sleep every day, hydrate, eat right, and exercise.

A Little Rest and Relaxation

Rest is more than physically taking a break. It’s about finding peace in your soul, a peace that is only found through Christ. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (KJV).

Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you are lazy or idle. In fact, taking a step back from your responsibilities can be one of the healthiest decisions you make for yourself. We can make bad decisions when we’re tired, grouchy, and irritable. These decisions can lead us to poor physical and emotional health, strained relationships with loved ones, or even putting ourselves or others in danger. That’s the perfect time to talk to God! That’s when you go to Jesus and take up His yoke.

How heavy is your burden? Take it to God. Let the Lord carry it for you. The relief you feel when that weight is lifted from your shoulders? That’s peace. That’s rest.

Caution! Slow Down!

With our busy lives we have to be intentional about rest, but it’s so worth it. Sometimes we get caught up in living out our lives as Christians and we forget that our lifestyle should reflect our obedience to God. If the world is constantly going, going, going, then living set apart should set an example of rest!

I urge you to try it sometime this week. Even if it’s only five minutes a day. Put away your phone, turn off the television, and simply be with God. Or take a nap.

Get some rest.