Entering the Rest of God

The term “Rest in the Lord” is a frequently used expression in the Bible. When David said, “Rest in the LORD” (Psalm 37:7, NKJV), he wasn’t talking about physical rest that involves taking a break from activity, relaxing, napping, or stopping to gather strength to continue. Rest in the Lord refers to a spiritual rest from confusion, worry, stress, and useless human effort.

The Hebrew word translated as “rest” means “to be at peace,” “to be still,” “to be quiet or calm.” In place of “rest in the Lord,” some Bible translations say, “Be still before the Lord” (ESV and NIV), “Be silent before the Lord” (CSB), or “Be still in the presence of the Lord” (NLT). These versions suggest that to rest and be at peace, one must dwell in the presence of the Lord, surrendered to Him.

“The rest” as related to us in Hebrews 4:3 is speaking of God resting on the seventh day from His labors of creation. It gives us a better understanding of what the rest of God is, the Sabbath rest. God rested not because of exhaustion but because everything was complete. There was nothing else to do. It was done perfectly. Let’s look at it this way to get a clearer picture, we just celebrated Christmas, think about the delicious food you had. Knowing that after such a meal you didn’t need anything else, you were completely satisfied. So was God, that is why He rested.

Matthew 11:28 (NASB) says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

As believers, we are not granted immunity from life’s storms, but we have a choice about how we react to them. Our natural tendency might be to run around hysterically looking for help, trying to save ourselves from trouble. We can either respond hysterically or rest in the Lord’s presence. We can waste our time worrying or trust the Lord to take care of us.

We enter His rest by giving everything over to HIM and trusting Him. When we are “doing” to get, we are not believing that Jesus did it all. Any attempt to do a work for something Jesus already accomplished is to say that he did not do enough for us or that our Father didn’t think of everything. That way of thinking will stop us from receiving, because it is unbelief.

“Jesus plus nothing equals everything. Jesus plus anything equals nothing.” ~ Mike Hoesch

Should we as believers observe a day of rest as an expression of our faith and trust in God? Taking a day of rest is one of the best ways to reconnect with God after a season of hard work. It allows us to trust Him with our time and responsibilities. It also allows for physical renewal and refreshment. Taking a day of rest does not necessarily have to be a weekly experience. You could take a time of rest once a month or even once a quarter.

My husband and I were able to get away for a time of rest this month. We were both looking forward to it. It was a time to reflect on the year of 2025. Seeking God and listening to His direction for 2026. God spoke to me and told me how I needed to change the way I do a few things in 2026. It was the direction that I needed.

We need this time of rest so that we stop trusting in ourselves. How do we do this? How do we place our full trust in God and His promises? By entering into His rest. First by understanding our total inability to enter His rest on our own. Next, we enter His rest by total faith in the sacrifice of Christ and the complete obedience to God and His will (Hebrews 3:18–19). Unlike the Israelites in this account whose unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land, we are to enter God’s rest by faith in Him, faith which is a gift from God by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9).

As this year ends, I encourage you to take some time to enter the rest of God. It doesn’t have to be a week like we did. Whatever fits your schedule, it will work just fine. Have a good rest!

Looking for more? Check out my related blog posts:

• Trust in God – Don’t Be Afraid
• Fear Not, For I Am With You