The Importance of Rest and Self-Care from a Biblical Perspective

Terri and I have recently renewed our focus on rest and self-care. For us, these are key ingredients for survival unless we want to have a blowout along the road of life. That wouldn’t be pretty.

In our busy world, the concepts of rest and self-care often appear elusive. They are something we can dream about, but never quite achieve. We juggle work, home, and countless responsibilities, leaving little time for ourselves. We are constantly walking a tightrope over a pit of alligators.

However, Jesus invites us to come to Him to find true rest and receive real self-care. This rest and self-care is not merely physical but also spiritual, emotional and mental. It’s the ultimate rejuvenation program. God loves us holistically. Rest and self-care are vital if we are to continue to serve others. We can’t pour from an empty jug. Jesus’ invitation is a reminder that we do not have to carry our burdens alone.

“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.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

By taking His yoke upon us, we align ourselves with His teachings and His way of living, which are gentler and more compassionate. Jesus encourages us to learn from Him, emphasizing humility and gentleness—qualities that can bring peace to our lives. When we prioritize our spiritual well-being and make time to rest in God’s presence, we find a deeper sense of renewal and strength.

In my sixteen years of ministry, I’ve witnessed a lot of people burnout because they didn’t take care of themselves by keeping the main thing the main thing. For some reason, in doing the work of Jesus, we quickly forget we need Jesus, too.

Unfortunately, in our culture, we view rest as a waste of time spent doing nothing when we need to be doing something. We fail to see the value of rest and lack the understanding of caring for ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Being still and waiting upon the Lord is simply not something we know how to do well.

When this happens burnout quickly sets in. Resentment builds as bitterness blooms. We get angry as we grow weary. Suddenly, we find ourselves off track and out of sync. We are wandering in the desert like the Israelites did after God freed them from slavery in Egypt. We forget our why.

Whether you are engaged in full time ministry, serving as a volunteer in your church, or living out your Christian faith in daily life, don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Remain rooted in prayer, immersed in the Word, and blanketed by investing time with your Lord and Savior. Know you are loved beyond measure.

What specific steps can you take this week to create space for rest and self-care, allowing yourself to experience the peace and renewal that Jesus offers?

Praying for us.

You are loved.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™