17 Best Bible Verses About Rest, Recovery, And Relaxation

Oh, this should be so easy, shouldn’t it? Rest, recovery, and relaxation are important, and the Bible tells us to embrace them. But for many people taking the time to do these things is difficult. We live in a society that is always on the go, and we are expected to be as well. There is always something that needs to be done, and we can always find something to occupy our time.

But our compilation of Bible verses about rest tells us that we need to make time for ourselves, and not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. It is essential for our well-being. Let's explore God's word for guidance on how to prioritize R&R.

Mathew 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 verse reminds us that Jesus is always there for us and He offers us rest. He understands our burdens and offers us an easy way out, through Him.

The importance of rest

Rest enables our bodies to function properly. It helps us to heal from sickness and injury, and it gives us the energy we need to face the day. Mentally, it allows us to recharge and rejuvenate so that we can think clearly and make good decisions. Spiritually, it gives us time to connect with God and grow in our faith.

So, as you can see, rest is vital to our overall health and well-being. And yet, even as I write this article, I know that I am often negligent in this area. I find it hard to slow down and just relax. I am always looking for something to do, even when I am dealing with an injury.

In fact, I recently hurt my neck after a period of little sleep and too much stress. Although I knew I needed to rest and that I was more susceptible to injury, it was hard for me to do so. I can always lend a hand with customer support, order processing, or writing another article. But I have to remind myself that if I don’t take the time to rest, I will be of no help to anyone.

Through this painful reminder, I am learning an important lesson. And I hope that as you read these Bible verses about rest, you will be encouraged to slow down and take the time to recover and relax... before you share my experience!

What exactly does rest look like?

Rest doesn’t just mean sleep. It can also include other activities that help us to relax and rejuvenate. Here are some ideas:

• Take a break from work or other obligations
• Get outside and enjoy nature
• Spend time with family and friends
• Read a good book
• Take a nap
• Exercise
• Do something creative
• Connect with God through prayer and Bible study

So, what about recovery? 

Recovery is often thought of as something that we do after we’ve experienced an injury or a setback. And while that is certainly true, it is also something that we need to do on a regular basis. We all face challenges in life, and we all need time to recover from them.

Perhaps you’ve been through a difficult situation recently or the wear and tear of everyday life have gotten to you. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, or you’re dealing with a chronic illness. Whatever the case may be, give yourself time to grieve and heal. Don’t try to push through it or pretend that everything is okay.

And if you feel anxious or extra emotional, your body may be telling you that you need to relax and reflect. This reminds me of one of my favorite Bible verses, coming from the book of Philippians:

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 127:2

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Ecclesiastes 11:10

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Proverbs 14:30

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

These Bible verses about rest remind us that we are in control of our bodily troubles. We can choose to rest and relax, or we can work ourselves to the bone. We must prioritize recovery, and when we make that choice, we open ourselves up to God’s peace and protection.

Making time for rest, recovery, and relaxation

I recently wrote a piece about persevering in the face of adversity, and I included a list of recommendations for how to do so. One of those recommendations was to “focus on self-care" and to make sure that you are taking the time to rest, relax, and recover.

Here are a few ideas on how to make that happen:

1. Create an outline of your day.From morning to evening, list the most important things you want to accomplish. Add in a few windows for breaks and rest.
2. Set an alarm.This will remind you to step away for a few minutes to refresh your mind. If you haven't completed all of your tasks at this point, don’t worry. You will likely be much more focused and productive after the rest period.
3. Find your place. This could be your couch, a comfortable chair, or a place to walk around. The location doesn’t matter, just try to pick a spot where you won’t be easily interrupted. 
4. Close your eyes.Take deep breaths and think thoughts of relaxation and gratitude. I like to count my inhalation and exhalations whenever my mind starts to wander back toward work or the stresses of daily life. Focusing on each breath helps me to stay in relaxation mode.
5. Make a commitment to yourself and God. Consider telling God that you will take regular breaks. During this time you could pray, read the Bible, or just sit in silence. These moments of quiet will draw you closer to Him.

Without setting aside time for our own rest, how can we ever reflect on God's messages for us? How can we be in tune with His wishes if we're constantly running on empty? We need time for our minds and bodies to recover so that we can be the best Christians we can be.

Bible verses about rest, relaxation, and recovery

The following Bible verses tell us why rest, relaxation, and recovery are essential for being the best version of ourselves:

Luke 21:24

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

This Bible verse tells us that we need to be careful not to let our hearts become weighed down by the things of this world. We can do this by taking time for ourselves to rest, relax, and recover. When we do this, we can focus on Christ and His will for us.

Isaiah 57:1-2

The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

This verse is a good reminder that even though our loved ones may pass on, they are at peace and rest with the Lord.

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”

Genesis 2:2-3

And on the seventh day, God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Hebrews 4:9-11

There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Mark 6:31

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”.

Exodus 33:14

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Rest, relaxation, and recovery for such a time as this!

Exodus 20:8-11

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor 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, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

This might be a good time to rethink how we spend our Sundays so that we keep our Sabbath day holy. What can you change or introduce to promote better rest, relaxation, and recovery that will help you grow in your relationship with our Father?

Mark 2:27

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When we have rest in Him, we also have peace knowing that he has overcome everything. This verse from the book of John should help us to relax and find tranquility in the Lord's presence.

Closing thoughts

Even if it's just ten minutes to walk outside, these Bible verses about rest reinforce how important it is for us to take time to recover and relax. It doesn't matter how we do it, but making an effort to do so will help us to be better servants of the Lord.

If you need a moment at work, consider taking deep breaths in a break room, talking to the Lord on a quick stroll, or sitting in a garden and taking in your surroundings in a mindful way. At home, you can light a scented candle, take a soothing bath, read your favorite Psalm, or listen to worship music.

No matter where you are or what you're doing, always remember to focus on refreshment and relaxation. Planning rest into your day can help you feel less overwhelmed and stressed, and more available for whatever God has planned.