Genesis 2:2-3 God’s example for rest

Genesis 2:2-3

We all come to a point when we need rest. Right after God finished creating the world and all that is in it, he rested.

Did God need rest? I don’t think so, but in these verses God is modeling behavior he wants us to follow.

On the seventh day God finished his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work of creation which he had done.

Genesis 2:2-3

We live in a world of constant go. Continuously on. Remember the song about New York city, it was the city that never sleeps. Sometimes, we get so busy, we feel we can never sleep (or rest).

Too often we apply this continuous need to go, go, go and do, do, do to our daily lives. When this happens, we get stressed.

One solution is stop and rest.

In Genesis 2:2, we find the first example of rest in the Bible. God worked for six days creating the world, and then he rested on the seventh day. God wants us to work hard for six days, but we should recognize we need rest on the seventh day.

How can we rest?

First, we can take one day a week for rest. On this day, we can set aside time for worship and reflection on God’s Word and works in our lives. We can set aside activities that require mental or physical exertion and allow our minds and body to relax and rejuvenate.

Second, we can step away from distractions like social media. Constantly checking social media can cause stress and anxiety. If you feel you are constantly drawn to social media, set aside one day a week as your break and rest from social media.

Third, use your day of rest for activities you enjoy and that help you relax. In our family, we frequently have lunch together and play games (no phones). We laugh, we have fun and we are able to relax.

Sometimes we need more than one day of rest. Take vacations, step away from your usual activities for a few days or a week or longer.

I encourage you to rest. Don’t feel that you are failing or “not getting things done” when you rest. By resting, you are helping yourself mentally and physically be more productive after you rest. Rest restores you.

Remember, God made a day of rest. We should be thankful and allow ourselves this time.

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