55 Bible Verses About Rest + How You Can Find It

     Are you tired today, whether in body or mind? Let’s go for a little journey of rest together through the Scriptures. What does the Bible say about rest? A lot! In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the many Bible verses about rest. They are divided into categories such as Bible verses about God giving us a day of rest, the struggle to find rest, and finding rest in God. Make sure you check out the last section; it has so many encouraging verses for your weary heart. As you read these verses, may you look to Jesus and find your rest in Him!

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

1. God Gives a Day of Rest

Why does God call us to rest? Because He Himself rests, and we are called to be like Him. God values rest so much that He set aside a day to rest after creating the world, not because He was tired, but as an example to us. He even put a day of rest into the Ten Commandments, His most basic law for mankind. God calls us to rest because it is right and also because we need it. While we are called to work for our God, we are also called to get the rest our bodies need to be ready to do His will. And our need for physical rest is a reminder of how much more we need spiritual rest in Him.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Genesis 2:2-3

• And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. Exodus 16:23

• But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:10-11

• Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest. Exodus 34:21

• And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard. Exodus 23:10-11

2. Bible Stories that Mention Rest

Throughout the historical accounts in the Bible, there are many Bible verses about rest. As you read these verses, imagine the narratives where they are found. Click the link on a Scripture reference if you want to know more of any of the stories. Think about what it would have been like to be there when the ark finally came to rest on a mountain after months of rolling on the waves or when the land of Israel had peace and rest after years of war and turmoil. These events really happened, and the rest that was part of them is significant.

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

Genesis 8:4

• At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. Numbers 9:23

• And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them. Numbers 10:33

• Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? Ruth 3:1

• For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever. 1 Chronicles 23:25

• And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. 2 Chronicles 15:15

• So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about. 2 Chronicles 20:30

• But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Esther 9:18

• I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 2:13

3. A Man of Rest to Build the Temple

God had a plan for King David, a mighty man of war. Once his kingdom entered a period of rest, David wanted to build the temple, but God said no because David was a warrior. The Lord chose Solomon, David’s son, who had a peaceful reign, to build the house of worship. This first verse is when David tells Solomon about the prophecy God had made to Him about Solomon. The next two verses are that prophecy coming to pass. Isn’t it interesting that rest was such an important part of the building of the temple where people would worship God?

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Chronicles 22:9

• But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. 1 Kings 5:4

• The LORD therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. 2 Chronicles 6:10, 41

4. Bible Verses About Finding Rest in God

Where can real, lasting rest be found? In one and only one place: in God. Life is turbulent and changing; God is consistent and unchanging. We can rest in Him for He is dependable, and He is life. These Bible verses about rest that are found throughout Scripture all point to God. From God proming rest to Moses to Jesus calling to us to come to Him, we find that He is the One we can always rest upon and the One Who is always trustworthy.

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Exodus 33:14

• And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. 2 Chronicles 14:11

It may be tempting to wait for the perfect time to rest, a time when you’re not having conflict, have nothing to do, and everything is calm. But times like that are not common occurrences in life. We need rest so much more often than just those times. In fact, when things are the most turbulent, that is when we often most notice our need for rest. And we can find it even in the midst of difficulty if we look to God and rest on Him. That is what Asa did when faced with a battle. And as we saw in the previous verse, when Asa trusted God and rested on Him for help and security, God Himself defeated the enemy.

• Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Psalm 37:7

• And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10

• Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

5. Where Rest is Not Found

Rest is freely offered to us, but it’s not always found where we might think. The pleasures of sin for a season are enticing, but they won’t bring lasting peace and rest. That can only be found in God and following His will.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

Psalm 38:3

• Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. Psalm 95:11

• But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. Isaiah 57:20

• For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. Isaiah 62:1

Did you know that God was willing to forego His rest for the sake of His people? He said He would not rest until Jerusalem’s righteousness went forth as brightness.

• For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 2 Corinthians 7:5

Rest can’t always be found in our circumstances. Life is hard. But even when there is turmoil around us, we can still find peace in God and in His forgiveness of our sins. True rest is not found by looking around or by looking within; it’s found by looking up, to God.

• And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:11

6. Bible Verses About Resting on Truth

We can always rest on God’s Word, for it is entirely true. These two Bible verses about rest talk about resting on truth and on God. While other things change, and the people and circumstances around us may not be dependable, God’s Word is. And we can rest on it.

Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

1 Kings 8:56

• With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:8

7. Bible Verses About Struggling to Find Rest

Rest doesn’t always come easily. Other things distract us from resting on the Lord. The busyness of life keeps us from remembering to rest. These Bible verses about rest tell the account when Joshua led the Israelites to fight for the rest God had given them. We are in a battle as well. Satan wants to distract us from the rest God offers. But as we look to God, He will give us victory as He did to Joshua, and we can receive God’s rest.

• Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. Joshua 1:13-15

So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

Joshua 11:23

• And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Joshua 21:44

• And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan. Joshua 22:4

• There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:9-11

• And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:18-19

8. Bible Verses About Rest Being a Choice

Rest is a choice. And while rest is something we naturally crave, because having it involves surrender and choosing to turn away from sin, sometimes we forego it when we can and should have it. These few Bible verses about rest mention those who did not have the rest God offered to them. But don’t be discouraged by this! Look at the beautiful imagery God uses as He holds out the offer of rest. While others may not have chosen to receive it, you can. God wants to refresh you, quiet your heart, strengthen you, and give you His rest.

To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Isaiah 28:12

• For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15

• Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16

9. A Few More Verses

Here are a few more Bible verses about rest, found in the Old Testament. Maybe your heart’s cry reflects the psalmist’s desire, and you too long for rest today. You don’t have to fly away to find it. Rest is found in God, and He is with you. Look to Him!

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Psalm 55:6

• Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. Psalm 132:8,13-14

• But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. Jeremiah 46:27

• My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. Jeremiah 50:6, 34

• Their heart cried unto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night: give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease. Lamentations 2:18

• Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction. Micah 2:10

10. Encouraging Verses About Rest

Are you tired and in need of encouragement today? Relax and let these restful verses from Scripture be a balm to your heart.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalm 16:9

• Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. Psalm 116:7

• The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. Isaiah 14:7

• And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:17-18

• Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:2-3

• The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

• And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Mark 6:31

• Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope. Acts 2:26

• Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts 9:31

• And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8

Simple Takeaway

1. God values rest so much that He set aside a day for it. He knew that we would need it in the busyness of life.
2. While the pleasures of sin are enticing, they do not bring true and lasting rest.
3. Rest is found in our faithful God and His unchanging Word.

Let’s Chat!

     Do you have a favorite Bible verse about rest? Or one from this post that encourged you? I’d love for you to share it in the comments!

     Until next time, rest in the Lord!

In Christ,

Bethany