“True rest is not the opposite of work but a complement to it, enabling individuals to engage fully with life’s demands.”– Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, Sacred Rest
Active rest is an intentional practice that integrates movement, reflection, and relaxation to rejuvenate both body and spirit. For Christians, active rest isn’t merely about physical recuperation; it’s a holistic approach to honouring God’s design for humanity by blending restorative activities with spiritual renewal. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical principles and supported by scholarly perspectives on wellness and spirituality.
The Biblical Basis for Rest
Rest is woven into the fabric of creation. In Genesis 2:2-3, we read:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
God’s rest was not out of necessity but an intentional pause to reflect on His work. For Christians, this models the importance of rest as a sacred act, not idleness but purposeful renewal. As Marva Dawn asserts in Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: “Sabbath ceasing means to cease not only from work itself but also from the need to accomplish and be productive, from the worry and tension that accompany our modern criteria of efficiency.”
Jesus also emphasized rest during His ministry, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30:
“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.”
Here, rest is presented not only as physical reprieve but as spiritual restoration through Christ. “Spiritual rest is a state of trust in God, allowing one to relinquish control and experience divine peace.”
– Dr. Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines
What Is Active Rest?
Active rest involves low-intensity activities that rejuvenate rather than exhaust. These activities may include walking, stretching, gardening, or creative pursuits like painting or journaling. For Christians, active rest may also involve engaging in practices that nourish the spirit, such as prayer walks, Bible study, or acts of service. “Low-intensity activities such as walking or gardening can serve as restorative practices, bridging physical recovery and spiritual reflection.”– Dr. Kelly McGonigal, The Joy of Movement
Dr. Harold G. Koenig also noted: “Engaging in spiritually meaningful activities can provide profound physical and emotional benefits, as they align the mind, body, and soul with a sense of purpose and community.”
Active rest, therefore, aligns with the Christian understanding of stewardship—not only of time and resources but also of one’s body and soul as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
How to Incorporate Active Rest
- Physical Activities with Spiritual Reflection
Activities like hiking, or even light chores can become forms of active rest when paired with prayer or meditative reflection on Scripture. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Creative Expression as Worship
Engaging in art, music, or writing can be a form of active rest that also glorifies God. Psalm 46:10 encourages stillness in creativity:
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” - Community and Service
Acts of kindness or spending time with loved ones can be restorative. Galatians 6:2 says:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” - Nature Walks and Gardening
Spending time in creation allows one to connect with God’s handiwork. Psalm 19:1 proclaims:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
The Balance of Work and Rest
Christian living requires balance. Overworking neglects the biblical call to rest, while excessive idleness disregards the call to diligence (Proverbs 6:6-11).
“Incorporating purposeful rest into daily routines enhances focus, creativity, and spiritual awareness.”– Dr. Richard Swenson, Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves
Active rest thus helps maintain this balance, allowing Christians to serve God effectively while honouring their need for renewal.
Conclusion
Active rest for Christians is an intentional, God-honouring approach to rejuvenation that integrates physical activity, spiritual growth, and relational connection. By embracing this practice, believers follow God’s example, care for their bodies and souls, and position themselves to better serve others. As Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:23-24:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
By incorporating active rest into their lives, Christians reflect their trust in God’s provision and their commitment to holistic well-being.
