The Art of Biblical Rest

How to Slow Down and Hear God’s Voice

Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty? Like no matter how much you try to slow down, life keeps pushing you forward? In today’s fast-paced world, rest is often seen as a luxury, not a necessity. But what if I told you that God actually commands us to rest—not just physically, but spiritually too?

The world’s idea of rest is simple: take a nap, go on vacation, relax. But biblical rest goes much deeper. It’s about renewal, restoration, and trusting God enough to let go of our constant striving.

Jesus put it best in Matthew 11:28-30, when He said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Rest isn’t just about stopping—it’s about making space for God to renew us. And when we do that, we can finally hear His voice more clearly.

What Does It Mean to Rest in the Lord?

Resting in the Lord isn’t just about doing nothing—it’s about surrendering control and trusting God’s provision.

Psalm 62:1 reminds us: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.”

Think about it:

When we’re stressed, we tend to hold on tighter—trying to fix things ourselves.
But real rest happens when we learn to let go and trust that God is in control.

So, from a 30,000 foot view, what are some practical ways to rest in the Lord:

Daily Surrender Prayer → “Lord, I give You my worries today. Help me to rest in Your promises.”
Silence & Solitude → Set aside time without distractions to be still before God.
Scripture Meditation → Reflect on 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

When we make room for spiritual rest, we begin to experience true peace. Have you done any of these lately? Let us know what you do and how it helps you connect with God.

The Three Types of Rest in the Bible

The Bible highlights three types of rest—each serving a different purpose in our walk with God.

1. Sabbath Rest – Physical & Spiritual Renewal

Genesis 2:2-3 “God rested on the seventh day and set it apart as holy.”
Mark 2:27 “Jesus said, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'”

The Sabbath isn’t just an Old Testament rule—it’s a gift from God. Taking time to slow down and worship refreshes our bodies and souls.

Try This: Take one day a week to step away from busyness—whether it’s Sunday or another day—and focus on resting in God.

2. Rest in Christ – Spiritual Rest Through Faith

Hebrews 4:9-11 “We are called to enter God’s rest by trusting Him.”

This isn’t about physical rest—it’s about relying on God instead of striving on our own.

Try This: Instead of stressing over what you can’t control, pray this simple prayer:
“Lord, I trust You with this situation. I release my worries to You.”

3. Eternal Rest – The Ultimate Restoration

Revelation 14:13 “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labor.”

This reminds us that our struggles here are temporary. One day, we’ll experience perfect peace in God’s presence forever.

Why Do We Struggle with Rest?

Even though God commands us to rest, many of us resist it. Why?

Cultural Pressures: The world glorifies busyness, making rest feel lazy.
Fear of Falling Behind: We think resting means we’ll lose progress.
Lack of Trust in God: True rest means relying on God instead of ourselves.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Ask Yourself: Do you feel guilty when you rest? Why or why not?

The Importance of Rest in the Bible & Why God Commands It

Rest isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a command from God.

Exodus 33:14 “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Even Jesus took intentional moments to rest:

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

If Jesus—the Son of God—made time for rest, so should we!

How to Practice Biblical Rest in Daily Life

Want to incorporate biblical rest into your routine? Try these four simple steps:

1. Make Time for Stillness

Turn off distractions and spend 5-10 minutes in silence with God.
Luke 5:16 “Jesus withdrew to pray”—so should we.

2. Honor the Sabbath & Intentional Rest

Take one day a week to focus on worship and renewal.
Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

3. Surrender Anxiety & Fear to God

Prayer for Rest: “Lord, help me release my worries and rest in Your promises.”
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

4. Get Physical & Emotional Rest

Prioritize healthy sleep, exercise, and relaxation.
Psalm 127:2 “For He grants sleep to those He loves.”

How Biblical Rest Helps You Hear God’s Voice

Ever wonder why it’s so hard to hear from God? The answer might be simple:

Too much noise.
Too much stress.
Not enough stillness.

1 Kings 19:11-12 “Elijah didn’t hear God in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper.”

When we rest, we create space for God’s voice to be heard.

Try This:

Spend 5 minutes in silence. Ask God to speak.
Journal what He reveals.

Overcoming Obstacles to Rest

Struggling to rest? You’re not alone. Here’s how to overcome common barriers:

“I don’t have time to rest.”: Jesus prioritized rest—so should we.
“Rest feels unproductive.”: Rest isn’t laziness—it’s obedience.
“I struggle to be still.”: Start small. 5 minutes a day is enough to begin.

Call to Action: Take One Step Toward Biblical Rest Today

Here’s your challenge:

Try 5 minutes of stillness today.
Pray for rest & renewal.
Download the Freebie: 7-Day Biblical Rest Worksheet (Printable).

Final Thoughts

Biblical rest isn’t just a break from work—it’s an act of trust and obedience. By prioritizing true rest, we open ourselves up to God’s peace, strength, and guidance. So let’s commit to slowing down, surrendering our worries, and resting in Him. Because when we do, we’ll finally hear His voice clearly!