The notion of resting is a theme woven throughout Scripture beginning… well, beginning at the very beginning!

On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. Genesis 2:2 NLT

Even God took a day to rest after creating the world and it’s a lesson He intends for us to follow. Following are six verses you can focus on—verses that will remind you to rest in the Lord and lean on Him—so you can relax and fully enjoy the present season of life, regardless of what is going on in the world around you.

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The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. Psalm 23:1-2 NLT

In God, we have all that we need—no matter what. He knows the “green meadows” and “peaceful streams” that will restore and renew each of us. And, He promises to deliver! When we walk with God, we can count on Him to provide us with complete rest and restoration.

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It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat: for God gives rest to His loved ones. Psalm 127: 2 NLT

Even with the best of intentions, we can easily slip into the habit of solely counting on ourselves to meet our needs. We honor God with our work, but not when it serves as a cover for our forgetting to trust in Him. When we trust in Him, while working and resting, it is the key to renewal and refreshment.

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Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6: 25-34 NKJV

In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that worrying about the present or the future is a waste of time. Instead, He reminds us that our heavenly Father values us above all else and…He will care for us just as He cares for the flowers of the fields and the birds of the air.

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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. Matthew 11: 28-29 NIV

Responsibilities can be overwhelming but Jesus promises to help carry the load. And His shoulders are much bigger than ours! While He doesn’t promise a life without hard work and trials, He does promise to be our partner, participating with us and walking with us every step of the way.

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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

In this passage, Paul provides some great advice – he suggests we turn our worries into prayers. When we stop worrying and start praying we will be filled with the complete peace and rest that only God can provide.

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I have told you these things so that, in Me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

The next time a restless spirit threatens to ruin a perfect day, stop and remind yourself that, in Jesus, the victory has already been won! God is in control, our destiny as believers is set, and things won’t fall apart when we pause to enjoy the beauty of the world around us.

- Author Unknown

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