Rest in the Lord: 6 Examples of Resting in Jesus
All Bible quotations are from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise stated Bible Copyright Attribution.
In our fast-paced world, rest is one of the most sought-after experiences. However, it’s not surprising that in this age of distractions, rest is hard to come by.
That’s why we need to explore what it means to find rest in the Lord and examples of how we can rest in Jesus. The Bible offers many verses about rest, with Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV being the most well-known.
โCome to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.โ
Jesus promises to give rest to all who come to Him with a humble and repentant heart. This rest is not just a physical rest, but a deep spiritual rest that brings true peace and contentment.
As we continue to trust in Jesus and study the Bible, we can experience this rest even during life’s challenges. So let us come to Jesus, and find the rest that our souls truly crave.
Why is it Important to Rest in the Lord?
Jesus understands the weight that our hearts carry and the burdens that have left us feeling weary. He tells us to find rest in the Lord – not just any rest, but rest for our souls.
Resting in Jesus is crucial as it enables us to find spiritual renewal, peace, and strength. It provides an opportunity to renew our minds, rejuvenate our spirits, and realign our focus on faith, the most significant aspect of life.
Does the Bible Command us to Rest?
Rest is not only an invitation but a commandment from God. Rest is on the list of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:8-11 NKJV:
โRemember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”
What Kind of Rest Does Jesus Give?
Jesus provides a one-of-a-kind spiritual rest that brings peace of mind, and stillness in our soul. This unique rest can only be achieved through our faith in Jesus.
When we place our faith in Jesus, we are acknowledging that He is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins. This act of faith allows us to surrender our burdens and find rest in the Lord.
Did Jesus Rest?
Even during a busy schedule and constant demands from the public, Jesus demonstrated the value of rest.
Mark 4:35-39 recounts the story of Jesus sleeping peacefully on a boat during a violent storm, despite the chaos around him.
โAnd He said to them, โCome aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.โ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.โ Mark 6:31 NKJV
Jesus not only modeled rest but also encouraged his disciples to prioritize rest as well.
How Many Times Did Jesus Rest in the Bible?
Jesus knew the importance of taking breaks to recharge and rejuvenate himself. Despite his busy schedule, He regularly took time off to engage in prayer and to spend time with his disciples.
The following verses show examples of Jesus resting.
- Matt.14:22-23
- Mark 6:30-32
- Mark 7:24
- Luke 6:12-13
- Luke 22:41
How to Follow Jesusโ Example of Rest
1. Pray Daily
“When He came to the place, He said to them, โPray that you may not enter into temptation.โ And He was withdrawn from them about a stoneโs throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, โFather, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:40-42 NKJV
In this verse, we read that Jesus is expressing his desire as a human for an alternative to the upcoming suffering he is about to endure.
2. Surrender your Burdens
โCast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.โ Psalm 55:22 NKJV
We can find relief from our burdens through faith in Jesus. We can release our burdens and discover peace when we believe in His guidance and care.
3. Memorize Scripture
โAnd that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God.โ Numbers 15:40 NKJV
Memorizing God’s Word and commandments is spoken of in Numbers. To find rest, it is essential to have a firm grasp of God’s Word in our memory.
4. Trust God
โTrust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.โ Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
When we trust in God, we can be assured that He has our best interests at heart. We can take comfort in knowing that He will guide us toward the right path. He is faithful (grab a free Hebrews 10:23 printable) and will work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
These Proverbs 3:5-6 printable note cards are a great way to encourage others to trust the Lord.
5. Submit to His Will
โThen Jesus said to His disciples, โIf anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.โ Matthew 16:24 NKJV
When we choose to follow Jesus, we must align our will with His. We may feel like we are in control of our plans but He knows our past, present, and future and has the best plan for us.
6. Rely on His Strength
โBut those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.โ Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
We can renew our strength through faith in Christ. This divine strength helps us overcome obstacles and hardships, much like how eagles soar gracefully above the earth.
Are you Resting in the Lord?
This is easier said than done sometimes. We may feel like we are resting in Jesus only to find out that we have taken circumstances into our own control. Get this Matthew 11:28-30 free printable to remind you to let it go and rest in the Lord.
What a wonderful reminder and true that it is often easier said than done! I love the examples you provided here and will keep this in mind as I go about my week.
I thank you for you for the information I just received. May God bless you and keep you in His Word. I am trying to find ways to get close to God.