Why is rest so important?

Genesis 2:1-3So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Exodus 31:17“It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’”

Rest is important because God tells us to rest. Why would the omnipotent God of the universe rest following his work of creation? Surely, it wasn’t because the Almighty was physically tired! The answer is that God, in ceasing from his work, called his rest “holy.” God knew that we would need to cease from our work to care for our physical and spiritual needs. Work is good, but it must be balanced by regular rest and attention to the health of our souls; otherwise, we miss the divine moments God sends our way. We should make sure to carve out regular times for worship and spiritual refreshment.

Exodus 23:12“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working. This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It also allows your slaves and the foreigners living among you to be refreshed.”

Regular, consistent, weekly rest is an important part of avoiding and needing to recover from burnout.

Psalm 23:1-3The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Psalm 127:2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Jeremiah 31:25“For I [the Lord] have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”

Rest is important because it renews us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, thus giving us more energy for the work ahead. Rest is not only a necessity but a gift from God.