Rest Like Jesus: Learning to Trust in the Middle of Chaos

If you’ve ever wondered how to rest like Jesus, this article will guide you to slow down, trust God fully, and embrace the rhythms of rest found throughout the Bible—right in the middle of real life.

 

We all want rest; we talk about it; we daydream about it; we even schedule it. And then we cancel it because something urgent came up.

In our culture, busyness is a badge of honor. If our calendars are full, we must be doing something right … right? But what does the Bible say about rest vs. busyness?

God’s Word offers a very different picture—one of stillness, trust, and dependence on Him.

Rest Was God’s Idea

Rest isn’t a reward for hard work or a privilege for people with extra time on their hands. It’s part of God’s original design. He even set an example for us:

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested” (Genesis 2:2 ESV). God didn’t need to rest because He was tired. He rested to show us it was necessary.

And because we don’t always follow examples, He even commands it: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8–10 ESV).

Even though we’re no longer under the Law, the principle of a Sabbath still holds. Rest reorients our hearts. It reminds us that we are not in charge—God is.

God created us to need rest not just for physical recovery, but also to remind us how much we need Him daily.

How Jesus Practiced Rest

Jesus lived a life of purpose, but never of panic. Even with constant demands from the crowds, He often stepped away:

• “He would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16 ESV).
• “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31 ESV).
• “After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23 ESV).

Jesus didn’t treat rest as optional. He made it part of His rhythm. He modeled what it means to slow down, recharge, and stay connected to the Father. And when the storm raged, He slept—because His trust was anchored in the God who created the storm and had the power to still the storm (Mark 4:38).

Rest in the Middle of Chaos

Sometimes life feels like one long emergency. From news headlines to personal crises, it’s easy to feel like you can’t breathe. But Psalm 46 (ESV) brings calm into our chaos.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (v. 1).

Psalm 46 wasn’t written during a quiet retreat. It was penned during a terrifying siege. And yet, it includes one of the most calming and comforting verses in all of Scripture:

“Be still, and know that I am God” (v. 10).

Rest isn’t about your circumstances. It’s about confidence in the One who is with you: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (v. 11).

When you’re still, you remember who God is—and who you are. He is the One who calms storms, stops wars, and speaks peace over your soul. You, as a child of God, are safe and secure in His arms.

Biblical Rest Requires Trust

Let’s be honest: rest feels risky. We like being in control. Even small things—like how the dishwasher is loaded, how towels are folded, or how a task is done—can make us clutch control more closely.

But constant control leads to constant exhaustion. I’m sure you, like I do, know this from experience.

Jesus also offers this simple invitation for refreshment: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37 ESV).

Rest is a spiritual practice of surrender. You give your cares to God, pray instead of panic, and trust Him with what you can’t change.

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7 ESV).

Isaiah 30:15 puts it this way: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” (ESV).

Biblical Rhythms of Rest

Throughout Scripture, we see God building rest into every cycle of life:

• Daily: Jesus taught His disciples to abide with Him every day in order to bear fruit (John 15).
• Weekly: The observance of Sabbath reminded the Israelites to rest and trust God’s sovereignty.
• Seasonally: Sabbatical years were longer pauses to restore land, people, and justice (Leviticus 25).

These rhythms weren’t just ceremonial; they taught God’s people to rely on Him for provision, protection, and peace.

Today, we need similar rhythms—real rest that connects us back to the Lord: daily moments of quiet, weekly spaces to reflect, and intentional seasons of renewal.

How Can We Rest Like Jesus?

I can hear your protests now: This all sounds great, but have you seen my calendar? I’m surrounded by people all day long—how do I squeeze in a respite?

Here are some practical steps to try:

• Make Time for Stillness: Start small. Even five minutes of quiet prayer and Bible reading can reset your heart.
• Schedule Sabbath: Dedicate one day a week as a time for worship, reflection, and rest.
• Set boundaries: Like Jesus, step away when needed. Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for biblical rest.
• Reflect regularly: Ask yourself where you sensed God’s peace, where you resisted it, and how you can change your reactions going forward.

When we rest, we admit that we are not God and that He has everything under control. And that’s a very good thing. Remember:

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 ESV).

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Need more spiritual encouragement? Check out today’s daily devotion.