STANDARD LESSON RESOURCES
DEVOTIONS
WINTER 2026

February 9

Taking Time To Rest

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. (Genesis 2:3)

Scripture: Genesis 1:31-2:4a
Song: "God So Loved"

When I was a kid, nap time was still a daily part of school for little ones. As adults, we don't often have or make time for naps, yet research shows napping improves alertness, mood, memory, and performance. In fact, in many Mediterranean countries, daily naps or breaks are part of their culture.

In Western culture, we tend to overvalue work and resist resting, yet God Himself, who never grows weary (Isaiah 40:28), chose to rest - for an entire day - after completing His creation. The Hebrew word used here for reset is shabath, meaning "to cease, desist, or rest." God stopped working. He took the day off! He then took it a step further and called it holy, which emphasizes how important it is to set apart a day of rest.

If God Himself rested, how much more do we require it? We are bombarded by noise and busyness, and our bodies need to unplug from that regularly. We need time to be still, rest our minds, and soak in God's presence so He can refill and restore us. How might you incorporate more rest in your life?

Fahter, help me make rest a priority. Show me how You would have me spend that time, so that I might be restored to continue doing the work of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.