Hey you! Yes you, has anyone told you that you’re working too much? Probably not, right? Because we live in a world that’s obsessed with hustle. But guess what, You weren’t made to work and our worth doesn’t come from your productivity. Sadly, many people think differently but there’s good news. There’s ancient wisdom that can help us find a path toward sustainable peace. Below, you’ll find 7 Bible verses about sleep and rest.
Rest is more than a way for us to recharge. It’s a reminder of who we are, people who get to enjoy life. So are you ready to escape the hustle? Ready to start believing that you can live a meaningful life, even if you don’t work 80 hours a week? If so, check out these Bible verses about sleep and rest. Then, check out the rest of this article to reflect on finding a healthier lifestyle.
7 Bible Verses About Sleep and Rest
Here are some Bible verses about sleep and rest, click on the verses to read the whole chapter:
- Psalm 127:2 – “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
- Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- Ecclesiastes 5:12 – “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.”
- Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Proverbs 3:24 – “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
- Mark 4:38 – “And he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
What Bible verses about sleep should I read before bed?
If you struggle to fall asleep at night, try reading one of these bible verses about sleep before you go to bed. Memorize the words and repeat them in your mind as a reflective prayer for sleep. This practice can be a helpful tool.
- “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
- “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Physical Benefits of Rest
People experience burnout all the time. Maybe you’ve felt it, or know someone who has. Burnout is our body rejecting relentless work. It’s when your body, mind, and soul shut down to force you to stop. It’s painful and scary, but it can also save us from ourselves. Burnout forces us to get the rest we need. But instead of waiting for burnout to strike, let’s choose rest today, before we deal with physical, mental, or spiritual burnout.
Rest allows the body to recuperate and recharge, preventing burnout and promoting physical health. Furthermore, rest is necessary for mental and emotional well-being, as it helps to reduce stress and improve mood. This heightened wellness empowers us to care for ourselves and care for our neighbors.
Rest is integral to wholeness. Why? Because it helps balance work and play, and promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. By prioritizing rest, individuals can live a more fulfilling and balanced life, reflecting God’s design for human flourishing. That’s why God gave us so many Bible verses about sleep, it’s really important!
Spiritual Reasons for Rest
In these Bible verses about sleep and rest, you’ll notice that they aren’t just physical acts, but also a spiritual one. God rested after creating the world in the book of Genesis. In the same way, Christians are called to imitate this pattern of work and rest. They can connect with God and receive spiritual refreshment, guidance, and wisdom by taking time to rest. Resting in God helps to reduce stress, increase joy, and promote inner peace.
Rest is also an act of faith. These Bible verses about sleep and rest show us that slowing down isn’t sinful. We live in a world that values people who work too hard. That’s why sleep and rest is a faith-filled rebellion against a culture that always wants us to work. It is a reminder that life is not just about constant activity and work but also about taking time to pause, reflect, and find peace.
In short, rest is valuable for Christians today because it allows for physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal, promotes deeper connections with God, and demonstrates obedience and faith.
Sure, there are a few bible verses about sleeping too much, but most of the Bible verses about sleep reveal the value of prioritizing rest.
Early Church Quotes About Sleep and Rest
Early Church Fathers knew the importance of rest. They also read these Bible verses about sleep which influenced their teachings. They emphasized the spiritual significance of rest, both as a way to imitate God and to find peace in Him. For example, Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century bishop, wrote about the importance of rest to find spiritual renewal and protection from temptation. In addition, he saw rest as an opportunity to draw closer to God, saying:
“It is through quiet and rest that the soul is able to mount upward to the contemplation of divine things.” -Saint Basil
Similarly, Saint John Chrysostom, a 5th-century bishop, saw rest as a way to achieve spiritual balance and avoid becoming overwhelmed by worldly pursuits. He said that rest should be used to withdraw from the world and focus on God.
“If you want to benefit from rest, withdraw from all worldly distractions and give your mind completely to God.” -Saind John Chrysostom
In this way, the early Church Fathers recognized the value of rest both for physical and spiritual renewal. They saw rest as a means of connecting with God, finding peace, and avoiding burnout in daily challenges. These quotes are almost as helpful as the Bible verses about sleep when we consider their wisdom.
There are Bible Verses About Sleep and Rest Because We Need it
Sleep and rest is valuable for Christians today because it serves to renew both the physical and spiritual self. It provides an opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate, allowing one to tackle daily challenges with renewed energy and focus. Additionally, sleep and rest can foster a deeper relationship with God, as taking time to slow down allows for reflection and meditation. Finally, Christians can better align their lives with God’s will and fulfill their purpose by prioritizing rest.
Jesus valued sleep rest as a way of physical and spiritual refreshment. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus observed the Jewish tradition of resting on the Sabbath. He withdrew to quiet and solitary places for prayer and rest. For example, in Luke 4:16, it is written that Jesus “went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom.” He also instructed his disciples to rest, saying “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
These actions show that Jesus recognized the importance of rest and used it to recharge. In this way, Jesus’ relationship with rest teaches us to prioritize rest and balance in our own lives.
You have permission to slow down.
Above, you read some Bible verses about sleep. So how will those verses inform how you live today? Will you continue to push, strive, and fight for maximum productivity? Or will you slow down, rest, and allow yourself to slow down? Remember, rest isn’t laziness, and it isn’t a reward for hustle. Instead, it’s living in tune with who you were made to be. Sleep is a gift from God, so get to know Him better by taking a nap today!
For more on finding peace, check out this post.