Biblical Rest: How to Slow Down and Honor God through Rest, Reflection, & Rejuvenation
- TBenton
- Apr 13
- 11 min read
Many people lead busy lives full of responsibilities and caregiving, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The demands of work, family, and social activities often leave us feeling like we are racing against time.
Yet, as Christians, we are invited to embrace a different way of living that encourages us to pause, genuinely appreciate, and make the most of our times of rest. "In the biblical context, rest is not merely the absence of activity; it signifies a state of completeness and wholeness. The Hebrew word for rest, "Shabbat," is rooted in the idea of ceasing from labor and taking time to reflect and rejuvenate." (Peña, 2024).
We all know rest is essential in our lives. Now, let’s explore how to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate through a Christian lens!
Photo courtesy of Lisa from Pexels
Biblical Rest
Many people struggle with the pressure to excel in every aspect of life, feeling an overwhelming need to perform at their best in all they do. This relentless quest for productivity often overshadows our fundamental need for rest and rejuvenation. We often feel pushed to achieve more and do more. Taking a step back and allowing ourselves moments of peace can be easily overlooked.
The Bible tells us that rest is necessary and vital to our well-being. Psalm 46:10 (ESV) reminds us of this essential truth: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
This powerful verse reminds us that we can find clarity and connection to the divine in the stillness. This call to "be still" encourages us to embrace quiet moments, allowing us to reflect on God’s presence and His overarching plan for our lives.
In other words, God designed us to rest, just as He rested. He set an example by declaring the Sabbath holy and outlined this in Genesis 2:2-3 (NLT), which states, "(2) On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. (3) And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation."
Photo courtesy of Cottonbro Studio
Rest is not only essential for our physical and mental health but also for our spiritual growth. When we pause and be still, we open our hearts to hear God’s voice more clearly. In these quiet moments, we can meditate on His word, pray, and seek guidance. Rest allows us to relinquish our worries and anxieties, trusting God’s sovereignty. This spiritual discipline can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose.
Isaiah 30:15 (NLT) states, "This is what the Sovereign Lord , the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it."
This verse was directed towards the Israelites of that time who were disobeying God. He again redirected them through His Biblical guidance, explaining that we will find rest in quietness and with confidence in the Lord. Through these quiet and reflective times, we will more clearly hear God's voice and His will for our lives.
Jesus, in the Book of Matthew, again stresses precisely where we will find rest. "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28- 11:30, NLT).
To cultivate a habit of rest, we must consciously prioritize it. This may involve, when possible, setting boundaries around our work hours. It is also essential to designate time for prayer, reflection, practicing Biblical meditation, or simply resting in God through stillness to better hear His voice. It is about personal choices you can make and those choices honoring God.
Rest and savoring our peace is needed for our spiritual, mental, and physical health. " Savoring is about stillness, about silence, about trusting that simpler is better, that our souls need space more than our ears need more noise." (Niequist, 2015). By heeding God's call to "be still," we can cultivate a life that balances productivity with spiritual nourishment.
Biblical Reflection
Once we acknowledge the need to slow down and embrace a more mindful approach to our daily lives, it becomes essential to make reflection a regular and integral part of our routines.
Reflection is not merely a fleeting thought; it is a deliberate and thoughtful process that allows us to pause, consider, and gain insight into our experiences, emotions, and decisions. This practice can take various forms, offering unique benefits and opportunities for personal growth.
"Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!" (Lamentations 3:40, ESV).
Reflection involves a conscious effort to look at the past and present events in your life and allows us to reflect on our experiences, thoughts, reactions, and feelings meaningfully. Reflection allows us to recognize and correct behavior or actions that do not align with our faith. It also offers us the chance to seek repentance for these things. Reflection is an essential skill that can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and God.
Reflection can take various forms, such as prayer, journal-keeping, meditation, spending time in nature, or simply setting aside time to think quietly. Each method provides unique benefits and can be tailored to fit individual preferences.
Incorporating these reflective practices into our lives can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling existence. By setting aside dedicated time for reflection, we create space for personal growth and emotional well-being.
Create Space for Prayer
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Prayer can be a powerful means of connecting with a higher purpose or seeking guidance, providing peace and clarity. It allows individuals to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and contemplate their values and beliefs in a structured manner.
Setting aside time for prayer helps deepen our relationship with God. Find a quiet corner in your home or visit a peaceful area outdoors to connect with Him. Use this time to share your thoughts, worries, and hopes, or listen for His guidance.
Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to pray. Go to God in faith and honesty and converse with Him. He knows your heart, so speak to Him about anything. Seek his repentance and ask Him to reveal areas of yourself or your life that you need to improve to align with His will. Give Him thanks for the many things we have to be thankful for.
Prayer offers us the opportunity to have a deep relationship with God. Dedicating time for daily prayer can lead to a deeper understanding of God's will for your life and align your actions with your faith.
Practice Journal-Keeping
Photo courtesy of Tara Winstead
Journal-keeping invites us to articulate our thoughts and feelings on paper. This practice can take many shapes, from free writing to structured prompts, enabling us to explore our inner worlds and track our personal development over time.
Journal-keeping enhances self-awareness and is a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions and experiences. As we write, we may uncover patterns in our thoughts and behaviors that we were previously unaware of, leading to deeper insights and understanding.
Journal-keeping can be a transformative practice. Spend a few moments each day writing about what you are thankful for, the challenges you face, or the lessons God is teaching you. This practice encourages mindfulness while deepening our appreciation for God's many blessings.
Biblical Meditation
Biblical meditation is a spiritual practice that involves deep contemplation and reflection on the Scriptures, aiming to foster a closer relationship with God and a greater understanding of His Word.
There are many forms of meditation, but Biblical Meditation differs distinctively from all other forms of meditation. Biblical Meditation is rooted in the teachings of the Bible and focuses on the truths and principles found within its pages.
The process typically involves selecting a specific verse or passage that resonates with you. Once a verse or passage is chosen, you might read it multiple times, often aloud, to fully immerse yourself in the language and meaning of the words. Allowing the passage to resonate within the mind and heart invites an introspective journey, where the reader can contemplate how the words relate to their life experiences, values, and beliefs.
Biblical meditation can take various forms, including memorization of Scripture, journal-keeping your thoughts, reflection on a particular verse, and even meditative silence, which helps you apply the verse to your life experiences and hear God's voice.
Many believers have practiced biblical meditation for spiritual growth and renewal throughout history. "But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night." (Psalms 1:2, NLT). This verse highlights the importance of making meditation a regular part of one’s daily routine, allowing the teachings of the Bible to permeate one's thoughts and actions.
Also, Romans 15:4 (NLT) states, "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled."
Biblical meditation is a vital spiritual discipline that invites individuals to engage deeply with the word of God, fostering a transformative relationship with Him. Through thoughtful reflection, prayer, and application of biblical truths, believers can experience spiritual growth, increased faith, and a deeper understanding of their purpose in life.
Biblical Rejuvenation
One of the simplest ways to slow down and appreciate life is to immerse ourselves in silent reflection. Being in nature often enhances our experience with God and rejuvenates our souls. God’s creation of nature offers beauty that invites us to pause and reflect. Spending time outdoors can ease anxiety, calm us, and rejuvenate our spirits.
Whether walking in a park, hiking in the mountains, or sitting by a tranquil lake, spending time outdoors allows us to disconnect from the chaos of modern life, be still, and reconnect with God. Utilize safety and take this time to deepen your relationship with God.
Nature uniquely calms the mind and fosters a sense of presence and appreciation for the beauty God created in this world. The beauty and tranquility of natural surroundings can inspire creativity and contemplation, helping us to gain perspective on our challenges and aspirations and to contemplate God's will for our lives.
Luke 5:16 (NLT) says, "But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."
This passage highlights a significant aspect of Jesus' life and ministry—His commitment to prayer and solitude. Jesus frequently sought out the wilderness, a place that was not only physically remote but also spiritually enriching, allowing Him to connect deeply with God away from the distractions and demands of daily life.
This setting was crucial for Jesus, providing Him with the quiet and solitude necessary for deep reflection and communion with His Father. By withdrawing to such a place, He demonstrated the importance of taking time away from the busyness of ministry to recharge spiritually and seek divine guidance.
Just as Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer, we are also invited to seek moments of solitude and connection with God, allowing us to deepen our faith and understanding of His will.
Creating a Garden is not only a relaxing activity but also teaches us patience and gratitude, allowing us to reflect upon the abundance, nurturing, and beauty provided by God. Tending to a garden can be a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
You do not have to have a large outdoor area to create a garden. Many apartment or condo dwellers utilize outdoor areas such as their balconies for gardening. Even keeping plants near a sunny window will work perfectly for many plants.
The natural light streaming through these windows provides the essential energy that herbs need for photosynthesis, promoting healthy growth and vibrant flavors. This mimics how God's word provides us with energy and sustenance, promoting healthy spiritual growth and a rich, joyful life.
Even in limited spaces, such as apartments, a well-placed herb garden can thrive, transforming a simple window sill into a lush green oasis. This reminds us that we do not have to lead busy lives showing big gestures of faith. God knows our hearts. God wants our faith to be strong in Him and honest in our actions. The size of those deeds of faith does not matter to Him. He wants us to do what we can in honest reverence to Him, and He will provide for and nurture us in our spiritual growth.
Watching a seed transform into a flourishing plant is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual growth, encapsulating the journey of development, resilience, and renewal we all experience.
Just as a seed begins its existence buried in the soil, often unseen and vulnerable, our personal growth often starts in moments of introspection and solitude with God. Over time, with the right conditions—love, care, and nurturing—we begin to blossom, revealing the revived spirit we find through God to all who see us.
Nurturing a plant mirrors God's nurturing of our spirits, fostering an environment where we can thrive and grow. In essence, the garden becomes a sanctuary for self-discovery, healing, and spiritual enrichment, reinforcing the idea that, like a seed, we too can flourish when given the right environment, supported by the instructions and word of God.
Embracing Biblical Rest, Reflection, & Rejuvenation
Embracing Biblical rest allows us to cultivate a more fulfilling and Christ-centered existence.
By praying, reflecting upon God's word, and focusing on God through journal-keeping and Meditation, we can enrich our daily experiences and draw closer to God. By spending time outdoors or silently reflecting, we can connect deeply with God in His creation and rejuvenate our spirit.
This intentional approach to living and honoring God encourages us to savor each moment, appreciate the beauty around us, and live out our faith in tangible ways, ultimately leading to a more profound sense of joy and purpose.
Instead of seeking more time, let us focus on appreciating the moments we already have and prioritizing the practice of Biblical Rest in our lives. Take a deep breath, step away from the rush, and embrace the unique journey God has designed for you!
Here's to your Blissful Faith! ❤️
T. Benton
Owner & Writer @Blissful-Faith.org
Copyright © 2025 Blissful-Faith.org. All Rights Reserved.
Links on Biblical Rest:
Links on Biblical Reflection:
Links on Biblical Rejuvenation:
Resources:
Life Church (Ed.). (n.d.). Read the bible online. A free bible on your phone, tablet, or computer.: The bible app. YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com. https://www.bible.com/
Niequist, S. (2015, March 18). Savor your everyday life. Today’s Christian Woman. https://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2015/march-week-3/savor-your-everyday-life.html
Peña, C. A. (Ed.). (2024, November 25). What does “rest” mean in the Bible? 📖 bibledictionarytoday.com. https://bibledictionarytoday.com/words/rest/
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