Scripture for Today
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. - Genesis 2:2-3 NIV
In the world filled with hustle culture that tells you you have to work, there's no time to rest, you must do all the things, and you must be busy in order to be successful, God says to be still and to know that he is God.
Remember to rest. Take the time you need to be at peace and to release the weight of all that you may carry from day to day. Step away from the noise and take a good, long look at your God. Yes, there may be many things that need to be accomplished. There may be tasks that are time-sensitive. There just may be a need to be on high alert.
Don't be so busy that you miss out on the restorative peace that God modeled in Genesis 2:2-3. He saw that it was good. He saw the finished work, so he decided to rest and make that day of rest holy. This sabbath day of rest has been practiced through generations by believers. It is a day to settle one’s soul, release the weight of creativity, and be still in His presence.
You can structure this rest into your day-to-day life and set apart a day where everything else is put away. Everything work-related is put at the feet of God, and rest is made a priority in your heart. It will still be there after your rest. God is able to carry it.
Your faith in God and in His heart for you will allow you to walk this out with God in a way where you don't allow anxiety and fear to keep you running behind deadlines. In this space of rest, faith paves the way to greater peace, greater creativity, and greater health. Your spirit and soul can begin to rest, and your body can be replenished when you do as God did in this scripture. See the finished work of God each day and set apart time for your rest.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Honor Rest as a Form of Worship
God rested on the seventh day not because He was tired but to set an example for us. Choose to set aside intentional time each week to rest from work and responsibilities. Use this time to focus on God’s presence, allowing your heart to be refreshed. Exodus 20:8 reminds us, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Resting is a spiritual act of trust that God will sustain you.
2. Create Rhythms of Renewal
Build daily and weekly rhythms that reflect God’s pattern of work and rest. This may include prayer walks, journaling, or quiet reflection. These moments are opportunities to recharge spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Jesus modeled this when He withdrew to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35). Such practices renew your strength to continue in His calling.
3. Release Control to God
Rest requires faith. When you stop working, you declare that God is the one who truly holds all things together. Surrender unfinished tasks to Him, trusting that He is sovereign. Psalm 127:2 says, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat, for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Resting in Him reminds you that He is in control.
Closing Encouragement
Rest is not laziness but obedience. As you embrace God’s design of work and rest, you will find your soul refreshed and your faith strengthened. Allow God’s blessing over rest to remind you that He provides, sustains, and renews.