Entering the Rest: Finding True Peace in a Restless World
- Tim Peden
- Feb 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 8
When working with a team that has a day of rest or Sabbath, I did a deep dive to find out why this is important for us and how I should view a sabbath rest or a day of rest each week. From a young person, half the day was at church and ministry, so even Sunday was a whirlwind of activity with a short break after lunch, and then the "grind" started again. This research article encourages you to re-look at what a sabbath rest is and why it is spiritually and physically essential. I encourage you to take a day off each week and enjoy God, His creation and those He has placed around us. Rest and remember that it is not all about what you do but who He is!
A Personal Story: A Life of Exhaustion
I remember a time when I was juggling multiple responsibilities—studying, working full-time, and ministering at church. Every day felt like a race against time. I would wake up early, rush to work, squeeze in study sessions between tasks, and then spend evenings preparing for school or ministry. I had a young child, a marriage and good friends. It was great to fit in camping, hiking or exploring. Sleep was a luxury, and genuine rest was an afterthought. I told myself I was doing it all for a greater purpose, but deep down, I was running on empty. I was physically drained, emotionally exhausted, and spiritually weary.
Looking back, I realise that my understanding of rest was deeply flawed. I thought rest meant napping or getting a good night’s sleep. But the Bible teaches that rest is much more than that—it’s about trusting in God, ceasing from self-effort, and finding identity in Christ rather than in achievements. If I had truly understood and embraced this biblical concept of rest, I could have avoided much of the burnout I experienced.
This blog explores what it means to enter God’s rest and how embracing this principle can transform our lives.
The Biblical Foundation of Rest
The Bible extensively teaches about rest, emphasising its importance from the beginning of creation. God Himself set the example by resting on the seventh day after creating the world, establishing a pattern for humanity to follow ([1], [5]). This divine rest was not due to fatigue but to set a standard for mankind, highlighting the significance of regular rest in our lives ([1]).
In the Old Testament, rest was a central theme, particularly in the concept of the Sabbath. The Ten Commandments explicitly required rest on the Sabbath day, extending this rest to all people, servants, and even animals ([3]). However, the Israelites often struggled to fully enter into God's rest due to disobedience and lack of faith. The book of Hebrews refers to this, suggesting that the promised rest remained elusive for many in the Old Testament era ([1]).
The Modern Struggle with Rest
Our modern society often defines us by our productivity and achievements, leading us to strive for identity through our actions and accomplishments. This constant pursuit can leave us weary and burdened, never genuinely finding rest. We live in a world where being busy is a badge of honour, and slowing down feels like falling behind. However, the Bible offers a different perspective on identity and rest:
1. Rest in God's Love
Proper rest comes from understanding and accepting our identity in God's love. Jesus invites all who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him for rest ([3], [7]). This rest is not merely physical but a deep, spiritual rest that comes from knowing we are beloved by God ([4]).
2. Identity in Christ
Our true identity is not found in what we do but in who we are in Christ. Brennan Manning emphasises this: "Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion." ([4]) When we internalise this truth, we can constantly let go of the need to prove our worth through our actions.
3. Ceasing from Self-Effort
Biblical rest involves ceasing from our own works, particularly in terms of salvation and earning God's favour. It means trusting in God's grace rather than our own efforts ([2]). This rest is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, freeing us from the endless striving to please God through our own inadequate works ([1]).
Practical Steps to Entering God's Rest
Embracing this biblical concept of rest involves intentional practices that align our lives with God's design:
Setting Aside Regular Times for Rest Just as God rested on the seventh day, we are called to prioritise rest in our lives. This means taking intentional Sabbath rest, ensuring we have moments of stillness and reflection ([3]).
Trusting in God's Provision Anxiety and worry often steal our rest. True rest comes from trusting that God will provide for our needs, allowing us to let go of our constant striving ([2]).
Finding Identity in Being Loved by God When we define ourselves by our work, we will never feel rested. Understanding that our worth comes from being loved by God frees us from the pressure of performance ([4]).
Letting Go of Anxiety and Worry The Bible repeatedly calls us to cast our burdens on God and rest in His peace. Praying, meditation on Scripture, and surrendering control help us enter into His rest ([2]).
Engaging in Activities that Restore the Soul Rest is about stopping work and engaging in things that refresh us. This can include spending time in nature, worshipping, journaling, or simply enjoying quiet moments with God.
The Ultimate Rest: Christ’s Invitation
Jesus offers the ultimate rest to those who are weary and burdened. He calls us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him, promising His yoke is easy, and His burden is light ([7]). This invitation is not just about avoiding physical exhaustion—it is about living a life of peace, free from the pressure to perform, prove, or earn God’s favour.
Reflecting on my past struggles, I realise that my exhaustion was primarily due to striving in my own strength rather than resting in Christ’s finished work. True rest is found in trusting God completely, knowing that our worth and security come from Him alone.
Reflection Questions
To help you apply these principles, consider these five key questions:
Do I define my worth by what I do rather than by who I am in Christ?
What are the areas in my life where I am striving instead of trusting in God’s provision?
How can I incorporate regular Sabbath rest into my schedule?
What practical steps can I take to release anxiety and embrace God’s peace?
In what ways can I remind myself daily that I am deeply loved by God?
By reflecting on these questions and making small changes, we can step into the deep, restorative rest God desires for us.
Conclusion
The journey to entering God's rest is not about doing more but about learning to trust more. It is about shifting our focus from performance to presence—from striving to surrender. When we embrace the biblical perspective of rest, we find a peace that surpasses understanding, allowing us to navigate life’s demands with grace and assurance.
I encourage you to take the invitation seriously. Let’s step into the rest that God has prepared for us and experience the freedom from trusting in His love and provision. You can trust God. Enjoy the Sabbath rest He has designed for you so you can thrive…
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