In my previous article, we explored the biblical foundation for resting—why God commands it, models it, and graciously provides rest for his people. In this article, we will build on our previous discussion by addressing exceptions, issuing a caution against laziness, and reflecting on how our earthly rest points to the glorious eternal rest that awaits believers in Christ.
Exceptions: When Resting is Hard
Throughout scripture, God exhorts us to rest. But I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that life is not always straightforward, and circumstances sometimes make it difficult to maintain a rhythm of rest. Some situations are beyond our control—a mother tending to a newborn through sleepless nights; a student enduring an intense examination period; workers facing unavoidable overtime; or a caregiver attending to a sick loved one. These seasons are real, and it would be unhelpful to impose a rigid expectation of rest that does not consider the complexities of life in a fallen world.
Sometimes circumstances make it difficult to maintain a rhythm of rest.
Yet, even in such circumstances, we mustn’t neglect the principle of rest altogether. Our finiteness doesn’t go away simply because life is demanding. We are still called to steward our bodies, recognising that we are creatures and not the Creator. Even in the busiest of seasons, finding small pockets of rest—whether through brief moments of solitude, physical relaxation, or communion with God—is vital.
The goal is not to achieve a perfectly balanced life at all times, but rather to maintain an attitude that acknowledges our need for rest and seeks to honour God with our bodies, even though life doesn’t always go as planned.
Caution: The Danger of Laziness
While we must be empathetic toward those who struggle to find rest, we must also be wary of using rest as an excuse for laziness. There is a fine line between true, God-honouring rest and the sinful tendency to avoid responsibility. Proverbs paints a striking picture of the latter:
- “As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed” (Proverbs 26:14)
- “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road! There is danger in the streets'” (Proverbs 22:13)
Laziness often masquerades as rest. But true rest is purposeful. It refreshes us for further service to God and others. Laziness, on the other hand, leads to neglect and decay (Proverbs 24:30-34). The New Testament also warns against idleness, teaching that those who refuse to work should not expect to eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). This is a strong admonition confirming that rest is not an end in itself; it is meant to prepare us for fruitful labour.
True rest is purposeful. It refreshes us for further service to God and others.
So, let us be on guard against the creeping influence of laziness. While embracing rest, let us also embrace diligence, knowing that faithful work is part of our calling as image-bearers of God (Genesis 2:15). We must discern the difference between godly rest and sinful laziness and not allow the latter to take root in our lives.
Rest As a Foretaste of Eternal Glory
Perhaps the most profound aspect of rest is its eschatological significance—it points us beyond this present world to the eternal rest that awaits believers. Every time we lay down our weary bodies, we are reminded of our frailty and the effects of the fall. Our exhaustion, the toil of our labour, and our constant need for renewal are echoes of the curse pronounced in Genesis 3:19: “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground.”
Every moment of rest in this life is a reminder that something far greater is coming.
But for those in Christ, rest is not merely a physical necessity. It is a signpost directing our gaze toward the eternal Sabbath that God has promised. Hebrews speaks of a rest that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-11); a rest where the struggles of this world will cease, where we will no longer battle fatigue, sorrow, or pain. It is a rest in the presence of Christ himself, where both body and soul will be restored in perfect communion with God.
For the believer, this truth is a source of great hope. Every moment of rest in this life—whether a peaceful night’s sleep, the Lord’s Day, or a quiet moment of reflection—is a reminder that something far greater is coming. A day will dawn when we will be free from the burdens of toil and will dwell eternally with our Lord in unbroken joy.
No Christ, No Rest; Know Christ, Know Rest
But to those who have not yet placed their faith in Christ, this future is not one of rest but eternal unrest. The scriptures are clear. Those who reject Christ will face an eternity of separation from him, an existence marked not by peace but by judgment (Matthew 25:46). While the believer will enter into the joy of their Lord (Matthew 25:23), the unrepentant will face eternal torment (Revelation 14:11).
Join the redeemed in resting well, working diligently, and fixing your eyes on that day.
Yet, the invitation to rest still stands. Jesus calls out to all who are weary and burdened: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This is not merely an invitation to physical refreshment but to the deepest, truest rest—rest from the guilt of sin, from striving for self-righteousness, from the burdens of this fallen world. It is an invitation to find peace in him, to receive the forgiveness and reconciliation that only he provides. So, dear reader, if you have not yet turned to Christ, do not delay. Believe in him and he’ll give you rest—not just for a moment, but for eternity.
Join the redeemed in resting well, working diligently, and fixing your eyes on the day when our labours will cease.
