So many of us are caught in the grind of work, family activities, and attending other events that we just don’t get enough rest in our lives. We try to take a vacation to give ourselves a break but sometimes even our vacations are packed full of activities that we come back even more exhausted than before. Are you truly getting the rest that you need? To answer this question we first need to know the meaning of the word of rest. The dictionary defines rest as “an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.” This could mean different things for different people.

How does the bible define rest? We know that God himself rested after the sixth day of creation. In Genesis 2:2 it says “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done”. The key thing to notice in this verse is that the bible does not say that God was exhausted or tired from all the work that He needed the rest. It simply says God rested after ending his work. So rest according to God merely means taking a break from work. God even goes on to institute the sabbath which is a day of rest for everyone.

We also see in the new testament many instances where Jesus takes a break from his busy ministry to spend some time in solitude and prayer by himself. Jesus showed us by example what it truly means to rest. Rest is needed according to the bible so that you can pay attention to the needs of your soul. Jesus made time to rest and attend to the needs of his soul while in the midst of conducting the most significant ministry in all of Earth’s history.

There are so many distractions in this life that can easily keep you away from getting the true rest that your soul needs. We can do many things to try and substitute that solitary time of rest where it is just you and your God. Things like work, family time, entertainment, hobbies, vacations, parties, social gatherings, church events can all keep you busy and occupied while the needs of your soul are being completely neglected.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says “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.” You can be physically well-rested and mentally relaxed but your soul can still be weary and heavy burdened without proper rest. That is why you need to spend time in solitude and prayer with your Lord so that you will find rest for your souls. Are you getting enough rest for your soul? or are you busy caught up in the things of this world? Only you know that answer!