Rediscovering Rest: A Biblical Invitation to Slow Down and Rest
In a world that’s constantly on the go, where productivity is a badge of honour and busyness is the new normal, it’s easy to forget the importance of rest.
Many of us are juggling full calendars, family commitments, and work pressures, leaving little room for ourselves, let alone for God. But the truth is, rest is not just a luxury or an afterthought—it’s essential for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
In a recent sermon, Darren Rowse explored what the Bible says about rest and how we can start building it into our everyday lives. Below is a summary of Darren’s sermon, with key takeaways and questions for personal reflection and small group discussion. At the end of this post, you’ll find the full transcript of the sermon.
If you prefer to watch the sermon or listen we’ve also included the sermon as a video and podcast below.
A Moment to Pause
As Darren kicked off his message, he invited the congregation to do something simple but profound—pause. “Close your eyes,” he said. “Take a deep breath, slow it down, and just let your body relax.” For many in the room, this was likely the first time all week they had intentionally stopped. After just 30 seconds, the atmosphere in the room had shifted, and Darren pointed out the tangible impact of this small act. The pulse slows down, cortisol levels drop, and with that comes a little more focus and clarity.
It’s not rocket science that rest is good for us. Science has backed it up time and again. We’ve all read the articles and seen the studies about the benefits of sleep, the importance of mindfulness, and how slowing down can improve mental and physical health. But Darren suggested that rest is more than just a way to recharge our bodies and minds—it’s also a vital part of our spiritual health. Rest, he argued, is a biblical principle, woven into the fabric of creation itself.
Why Are We So Tired?
Darren posed a simple but pointed question to the congregation: Why are we so tired? It’s a question most of us are all too familiar with. Whether it’s the demands of work, family responsibilities, or even the fear of missing out, our lives are often full to the brim.
He shared some startling statistics to illustrate the growing exhaustion in our society. A quick search on Google reveals a huge increase in people looking up phrases like "I’m so tired" or "Why am I always tired?"
Key: Blue is searches for 'tired' in Google since 2004. Red is searches for 'rest' and yellow is searches for 'sleep'.
These search terms have skyrocketed in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. From the pressure to succeed at work to the hustle of raising kids, the struggle to find balance is real.
Darren spoke candidly about his own experience. As a parent of three young kids, he often found himself completely worn out. The endless cycle of sleepless nights, school drop-offs, and work commitments left him feeling drained. “There have been times,” he admitted, “where I just couldn’t get out of bed.”
But tiredness isn’t always just about lack of sleep. Darren pointed out that our culture often ties our self-worth to productivity. We’re told that we need to work harder, be more efficient, and always be achieving something. This constant pressure to be "on" can lead to burnout, even when we’re doing good things like working for our families or serving in ministry.
Rest as a Biblical Principle
But what if rest wasn’t just a nice-to-have, but something built into the very structure of the world? Darren took the congregation back to the opening chapters of the Bible, where God Himself sets the example of rest. In Genesis 2, after six days of creating the world, God rested on the seventh day. He wasn’t tired, of course—God doesn’t run out of energy. But He stopped, and in doing so, He set a pattern for us.
This rhythm of work and rest wasn’t just for humans. As Darren pointed out, it was for all creation. It’s a time to be productive, but also a time to regenerate, to recreate, and to be refreshed.
The concept of rest is later formalised in the Ten Commandments, where the Sabbath is introduced. God’s command to rest wasn’t just for the Israelites—it was for everyone in their household, including their animals and even foreigners living among them. This was revolutionary. In a world where slavery and exploitation were common, God was making it clear that everyone deserved dignity and rest. Rest, in this context, is not just about individual well-being but is also a matter of justice and mercy.
The Struggle to Stop
Even though we know rest is important, it’s not always easy to stop. Darren recounted a story from Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having just escaped slavery in Egypt, were wandering in the desert. They had spent years being ruthlessly worked by the Egyptians with no rest. When God miraculously provided them with food in the desert—quail and manna—He also gave them a command to rest on the seventh day. But old habits die hard. Some Israelites went out to collect food on the Sabbath, only to find that there was none. They hadn’t yet learned to trust God’s provision and His command to rest.
We often find ourselves in a similar place. The demands of life are relentless, and it can feel counterproductive to stop. We think that if we don’t keep going, we’ll fall behind. But Darren reminded us that God’s invitation to rest is also an invitation to trust. Trust that God will provide what we need, trust that our worth isn’t tied to our productivity, and trust that there is freedom in letting go.
A Rhythm of Rest in Jesus’ Life
Looking to the New Testament, Darren reflected on how Jesus modelled a rhythm of rest throughout His ministry. Jesus was no stranger to the pressures of life—He travelled constantly, was surrounded by crowds demanding His attention, and had little time to Himself. And yet, time and time again, Jesus withdrew to quiet places to rest and pray. He understood the need for solitude and the importance of being replenished.
One of the most famous examples of Jesus resting is when He fell asleep in a boat during a storm. The disciples were panicking, but Jesus was calm enough to rest even in the midst of chaos. That’s a powerful picture of the kind of rest Jesus offers—rest that goes beyond physical tiredness, rest for our souls.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives an invitation that speaks directly to our modern-day busyness:
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Jesus doesn’t promise that life will be free from work or responsibilities, but He does offer a new way to carry those burdens—a way that leads to true rest.
Learning the Rhythms of Rest
If rest is so essential, then how do we start building it into our lives? Darren suggested that it begins with learning to slow down. He recommended two books that have helped him personally: Sacred Rest by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer.
In Sacred Rest, Dr Dalton-Smith outlines seven different types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative. This holistic approach helps us understand that rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about finding balance in every area of our lives.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry focuses on the cultural epidemic of busyness and offers practical ways to slow down. Comer encourages readers to build regular practices of silence, solitude, simplicity, and Sabbath into their lives. These aren’t quick fixes, but long-term habits that can lead to deeper rest.
Darren admitted that slowing down isn’t easy, especially in a world that’s always rushing. But, he argued, it’s necessary if we want to live the full and abundant life Jesus promises.
Reflection Questions
What areas of your life feel the most overwhelming or exhausting right now?
How do you feel about rest? Is it something you look forward to, or does it feel like an interruption to your productivity?
In what ways have you tied your self-worth to your work or productivity? How might you begin to change that?
How can you begin to incorporate more rest into your weekly routine? What small steps can you take this week to slow down?
Small Group Discussion Questions
How does the Bible’s teaching on rest challenge or affirm the way you currently live your life?
Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God was inviting you to rest, but you struggled to accept that invitation? What held you back?
What practical steps can we take as a small group to encourage one another to find rest in our busy lives?
How can we build a culture of rest in our community, where people feel supported in slowing down and trusting God’s provision?
Jesus’ Invitation to Rest
As Darren wrapped up his sermon, he brought the congregation back to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11. Jesus invites us to come to Him with our weariness and burdens, and in exchange, He promises rest—not just physical rest, but rest for our souls. In a world that constantly tells us to do more, be more, and achieve more, Jesus offers something radically different: a life that is full of grace, peace, and rest.
The invitation is clear—come to Him. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or just plain tired, Jesus is offering you a new way to live. Will you accept His invitation?
Sermon TranscripT
Good morning. My name is Darren, and today I am here to talk to you about rest. Anyone need this one? I thought maybe this morning we should start by having a little rest.
So, I want you to close your eyes, put anything you’re holding down (apart from children!), put your feet on the ground, and place your hands somewhere on your lap. Just be aware of how your body is feeling. Are you holding tension anywhere? Maybe you need to roll your shoulders, unclench your hands, stretch your calves, or release the tension in your neck. Now, slow your breathing down. Take a deep breath in, hold it, and let it out. Let’s do that again—this time, a deeper breath in, and let it out. One last time—fill your lungs fully and let it go.
You can open your eyes now. This room feels a bit different, doesn’t it?
What you just did has a tangible impact on your body. Your pulse slowed down in the last 30 seconds, which is good for your cardiovascular health. Your lungs probably filled further than they had in a while, which is good for your respiratory system. There's now more oxygen flowing around your body, your cortisol levels are down, and your mind is more focused. That’s useful, because I’ve got a lot to say this morning!
Rest is Important: Science and Spirituality
We know that rest is important. Science tells us this, and there have been many studies into sleep, and more recently, into waking rest and its impact on our bodies and minds. I also believe that rest is essential for our spiritual health—it's a sign of spiritual well-being. We're going to unpack that a little bit today.
I don’t need to convince you that rest is important or that we need it. It comes up in almost every conversation: "I'm so tired," "I’m so busy," "Life’s so full," "I never stop," or "I’m looking forward to that holiday." People are constantly searching for ways to sleep better and rest better. We live in a restless world.
If we can flip the slides... It seems I’m disconnected... Here we go.
This is a chart from 2004 to now of people searching for the word ‘tired’ on Google. It’s gone up threefold. It’s not just because there are more people online now—this data accounts for that. The top search terms include: "I'm so tired," "Why do I feel tired?" "Wake up tired," "Tired after eating," "Tired all the time," and even "Tired dog." People are tired!
We can overlay the word ‘rest’ onto this, and it’s also risen significantly. And then we can put ‘sleep’ over the top, which is being searched for even more. People are searching the internet for solutions to tiredness and restlessness.
Why Are We So Tired?
Why are we so tired? Why are we so restless?
Looking back on my life, I can think of many times when I was exhausted. I used to sit in the back corner over there with three children under five. That was a season where I felt incredibly tired—putting kids to bed at 3 a.m., feeding them through the night. Small children make you tired.
There have been other times I’ve felt tired—sometimes from working too hard. Linda did a great sermon last week on work, reminding us that work is a gift from God, but we often get out of balance. Sometimes, we have no choice—the cost of living rises, and people take on second jobs or work overtime. At other times, it’s fear of missing out, or our self-worth is tied to our work. We become addicted to work, and our identity is tied to what we achieve.
Another reason for restlessness is that we just don’t stop. I spoke with someone recently who had a year of annual leave saved up. That’s a lot of not stopping.
Life is fast-paced. Right now, I don’t have little kids anymore, but I have big kids who can’t drive yet. They need to be here, there, and everywhere. Most of my kids’ friends live far away, and we’re constantly ferrying them around. We don’t stop.
Even when I do sit down, thinking I’m resting, I’m often scrolling through my phone. And that’s not rest—it’s more stimulus coming in, keeping my mind alert. I remember when I was 16, I didn’t have a phone in my pocket. I used to climb trees and just sit at the top for no reason other than wanting to be up there. I don’t know the last time I stopped like that. In fact, what we did earlier—those 30 seconds of breathing—might be the first time some of us have stopped all week.
Restlessness: Circumstances and Society
Sometimes, we’re restless because of life circumstances. Maybe it’s because of young children, moving house, or grieving a loved one. Grief makes you tired.
Mental health plays a role too—there have been times in the last ten years when I just couldn’t get out of bed. Physical health, age, or illness can also leave us feeling drained. There are many reasons why we get tired, and science is clear that we need rest. It’s good for us.
But what does the Bible say about rest?
Rest in the Bible: A Pattern Set by God
The Bible has a lot to say about rest, and we can’t cover it all today, so we’ll just pull out a few themes.
The first one comes from the very beginning. In Genesis 2, we find a beautiful picture of God at rest:
"So 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." (Genesis 2:1-3)
This is quite a profound image—God resting. But have you ever wondered why? After all, God is all-powerful, of infinite resource—He doesn’t get tired!
Theologians have debated this, as theologians do. Some say it’s because He had finished His work. The Hebrew word used here is ‘shabath,’ meaning to stop or cease. Others argue that it’s more than just stopping—this was a transition between phases. Like an artist stepping back to admire their finished work, perhaps God was leaning into the goodness of His creation.
But most theologians agree that God was also setting a pattern for us—work for six days, rest for one. This rhythm was breathed into creation itself.
The Gift of Sabbath: Introduced to Israel
We see this pattern of rest established in Genesis, but it’s not called Sabbath yet. That term is first introduced in Exodus 16. At this point, the Israelites had just escaped slavery in Egypt, where they were ruthlessly worked without rest. As they wandered the desert, God provided for them in miraculous ways, instructing them to gather food for six days but to rest on the seventh. This was a profound gift—a gift of rest to a people who had known only hard labour.
In Exodus 20, Sabbath becomes part of the Ten Commandments, further formalising this rhythm of work and rest:
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work... For in six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth... but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." (Exodus 20:8-11)
This commandment extends beyond the Israelites—it’s for everyone, including servants, foreigners, and even animals. It’s an issue of justice and human dignity, ensuring no one is exploited.
God as the Source of Rest
Another theme we see in both the Old and New Testaments is that God Himself is the source of rest. One of the most beautiful passages illustrating this is Psalm 23:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul." (Psalm 23:1-3)
Another powerful passage is Isaiah 40:
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary... He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak... Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
There are many more verses like this throughout the Psalms and the Prophets. God is a place of refuge and rest—a source of renewal.
Jesus and Rest: A Rhythm of Life
Let’s now turn to Jesus and rest.
First, we know that Jesus understood what it meant to be tired. He was a carpenter before His ministry, working in a hot climate doing manual labour. He also travelled extensively on foot, and in John 4, we see Him tired and resting by a well. Jesus knew what it was to be weary.
Jesus also had a rhythm of rest. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him withdrawing to quiet places to pray, sometimes alone, sometimes with His disciples. He often went up mountains or into the wilderness to find solitude.
Even in the midst of a storm, we find Jesus resting—sleeping in a boat, while His disciples panicked. And after the Last Supper, He went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray, seeking rest and communion with the Father.
Jesus' Invitation to Rest: A Yoke Shared with Us
Jesus also taught about rest. He didn’t abolish the Sabbath; rather, He pushed back against the Pharisees’ rigid rules, which had turned the Sabbath into a burden. He reminded people that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. It was meant to rejuvenate, not enslave.
One of the most beautiful invitations Jesus gave is found in Matthew 11:28-30:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
This is a profound image. A yoke is typically an implement of labour, used to harness animals to work together. Jesus is saying, "Come close, and I’ll share this yoke with you." He invites us to share His way of life—His rhythm of grace.
I love how Eugene Peterson paraphrases it in The Message:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly."
Practical Resources for Rest
So, what do we do with all of this? I want to suggest two resources that have really helped me recently.
The first is Sacred Rest by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith. In this book, she outlines seven types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative. She encourages readers to audit their lives to see which types of rest they might be missing.
The second is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. In this book, Comer explores the epidemic of hurry in our culture and offers four practices to combat it: silence and solitude, Sabbath, simplicity, and slowing down. These are not quick fixes but countercultural practices that can lead us into deeper rest.
Conclusion: An Invitation to the Table
I want to finish by returning to Jesus’ invitation to rest. As we come to the table today, we are reminded of His body and blood, broken and shed for us. In the elements of bread and wine, we also see the process of rest—bread needs to rest, wine needs to rest.
So, as we come to the table, remember His sacrifice, but also receive His invitation to rest.
Let’s pray.