After my husband and I got married, I discovered several quirks that I hadn’t noticed when we were dating, like dropping everything within a five-foot radius of the front door and putting unfinished plates of food (complete with silverware) back in the refrigerator uncovered. The most difficult one for me to accept, however, was when he rested. My husband, you see, is a passionate advocate of remembering the Sabbath:

“But the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.” Exodus 20:10 (New Living Translation)

Because his job doesn’t allow for him to have the same day off every week, he’s not orthodox about the exact day/time, but he’s diligent about making sure he has time every week to rest. As your stereotypical overachiever and modern woman, I scoffed at his “laziness.” There’s just too much to do in a week to take a full day off!

When I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, however, I had no choice but to slow down. Once I slowed down, I started researching rest, especially the Biblical principles. Guess what?

My husband was right.

Take time off work isn’t lazy, it’s Godly, and it’s important for your health and sanity. Here’s what the Bible says about it:

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

“Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.” Psalm 116:7

“And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest. God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest.” Hebrews 3:18-4:3

And then there are these verses (that give even more specific instructions on how to rest):

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” Psalm 37:7

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10

For me, it’s enough to know that rest is a Biblical commandment, but if you need more proof than that, check out this article, or this one, or even this one.

And now I’m going to take a break. I hope you’ll do the same!

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