Welcome! I’m thrilled to have you join the wellness Bible study! In this section, we’ll be focusing on passages related to sleep. The passages can also reflect rest and energy management and may be revisited in the Energy management section.
I encourage you to read the specific passages and explore the story and context behind them. Feel free to choose one passage to focus on over the next few weeks or explore multiple—whatever works best for your learning style. During our next session, we will discuss key highlights, observations, and any questions during your study.
God’s Example in Creation – READ GENESIS 1 and 2:1-3
Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV): “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 established the principle of rest by resting on the seventh day after creation, setting an example for humanity to follow.
Here are some focus questions for reflecting on Genesis 2:2-3 and the principle of rest established by God:
- What does it mean that God “rested” on the seventh day? Why do you think rest was significant enough for God to include it in the creation account?
- How does the idea of God resting shape your understanding of the importance of rest for yourself? In what ways does this passage suggest that rest is part of the created order?
- What might it mean that God “blessed” and “made holy” the seventh day? How does setting aside a day as holy impact the way we view rest in our own lives?
- Why do you think God modeled rest rather than just telling humanity to rest? How does God’s example of rest influence your own approach to finding balance between work and rest?
- How does this passage encourage you to view rest as a spiritual practice, not just a physical necessity? In what ways can you incorporate rest into your spiritual life, following God’s example?
- What obstacles prevent you from following God’s example of regular rest? How can you overcome these challenges and make rest a priority in your life?
- In what ways can resting enhance your relationship with God? How might intentionally resting on a regular basis help you grow spiritually or strengthen your faith?
These questions encourage a deeper look at how God’s rest shapes our understanding of rest as an essential practice that is both physical and spiritual, woven into the very fabric of creation.
Rest as a Gift – READ Matthew 11
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV): “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.”
Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, showcasing that spiritual rest and relief from burdens are available to those seeking Him.
Here are some focus questions for reflecting on Matthew 11:28-30 and the concept of rest as a gift from Jesus:
- What does Jesus mean by “rest” in this passage? How might this rest differ from physical rest or sleep?
- What burdens or sources of weariness do you carry that you can bring to Jesus?How does Jesus’ invitation to “come to Him” encourage you to release these burdens?
- How does the idea of taking on Jesus’ “yoke” and learning from Him provide rest?In what ways does following Jesus bring relief to your soul?
- What does it mean that Jesus’ yoke is “easy” and His burden is “light”?How does this perspective challenge or affirm the way you approach your daily responsibilities and challenges?
- How can you incorporate time with Jesus into your life to experience this gift of rest?Are there spiritual practices, such as prayer or meditation, that help you connect with Jesus and find rest in Him?
- What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ character as “gentle and humble in heart”?How does understanding Jesus’ nature impact your willingness to trust Him with your burdens?
- In what ways can you seek spiritual rest and renewal on a regular basis, beyond moments of physical rest?How might finding rest in Jesus change the way you handle stress and difficulties?
- How does Jesus’ offer of rest relate to the idea of living a balanced life aligned with God’s will?How can accepting this rest contribute to your overall sense of peace and purpose?
These questions encourage a thoughtful exploration of how embracing Jesus’ invitation to rest can provide deep spiritual renewal and help you navigate life’s burdens with His support.
Restoration and Healing – READ Mark 6:30-44
Mark 6:31 (NIV): “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’
Jesus recognized the need for physical and emotional rest for His disciples, demonstrating that taking time away is essential for effective ministry and service.
Here are some focus questions for reflecting on Mark 6:31 and Jesus’ invitation to rest:
- What does it reveal about Jesus that He invites His disciples to a “quiet place” to rest? How does this show Jesus’ concern for the well-being of those who follow Him?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of rest, even in the midst of busy ministry work? How does this challenge the idea that constant activity is necessary to serve effectively?
- What are some ways you can relate to the disciples’ situation of being so busy that they “did not even have a chance to eat”? How does Jesus’ invitation to rest speak to your own experiences of feeling overwhelmed or overcommitted?
- How can you create moments to “come away” with Jesus in your daily life? What are some practical ways to incorporate periods of rest and reflection into your routine?
- In what ways can taking time to rest enhance your effectiveness in serving others? How does this passage encourage you to view rest as a vital component of a balanced life, rather than a luxury?
- What challenges do you face in setting aside time for rest, especially when you have many responsibilities? How might you overcome these challenges to prioritize rest and rejuvenation?
- How does the idea of “coming away” with Jesus deepen your understanding of rest as both a physical and spiritual need? In what ways can spending time alone with Jesus refresh and equip you for the tasks ahead?
- How does this passage influence your perception of self-care and the need for balance in your life? How might adopting Jesus’ approach to rest impact your relationship with Him and your overall well-being?
These questions encourage a deeper understanding of Jesus’ recognition of rest as essential, helping you explore ways to balance work, service, and rest in your own life.
Overwork and Over Worry: READ Psalm 127
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Psalm 127:2 (NIV)
This verse emphasizes that overworking and worrying are ultimately futile when we rely solely on our own efforts. God provides for our needs, and He gifts rest to those He loves. By entrusting our concerns to God, we can let go of the anxiety that keeps us awake and embrace restful sleep as a sign of His care.
Here are some reflection questions for Psalm 127:2 (NIV):
- What does “in vain you rise early and stay up late” suggest about our approach to work and productivity? How does this speak to modern-day concerns about overworking and burnout?
- What does it mean for God to “grant sleep to those he loves”? How might this reflect God’s care for our physical and emotional well-being?
- How do you personally balance work and rest? Are there times when you’ve found yourself pushing too hard, and how has that impacted your energy, sleep, and overall well-being?
- What anxieties or worries keep you up at night? How can you invite God into those concerns and trust Him to care for your needs?
- In what ways can you see sleep as a gift from God? How might shifting your perspective on rest help you embrace it more fully?
- How does this verse challenge the cultural norm of constant hustle and self-reliance? How can relying more on God’s provision change the way you approach your daily life and responsibilities?
These questions can guide deeper reflection on how this verse relates to your spiritual journey and practical life.
Trusting in God for Rest: READ Psalm 4
“In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
This verse highlights the peace that comes from trusting in God’s protection. When we place our safety and security in God’s hands, we can lie down and sleep with confidence. It reassures us that true rest comes from a heart at peace, secure in the knowledge that God is watching over us.
- What does it mean to you to “lie down and sleep in peace”? How does this concept differ from simply falling asleep due to exhaustion?
- How does trusting in God’s protection contribute to your sense of safety and security? Can you recall a specific instance where you felt God’s presence during a challenging time?
- What are some fears or worries that prevent you from experiencing peace at night? How might surrendering these concerns to God change your ability to rest?
- In what ways do you actively remind yourself of God’s promise to keep you safe? Are there practices, prayers, or scriptures that help reinforce this assurance for you?
- How can the knowledge that God is watching over you affect your daily life? In what situations might you need to lean into this trust more?
- What practical steps can you take to create a peaceful environment for rest? How can you incorporate moments of calm and reflection into your daily routine?
- How does this verse challenge you to cultivate a heart at peace amidst life’s uncertainties? What changes can you make to prioritize your spiritual and emotional well-being?
These questions can facilitate a meaningful exploration of how trust in God influences your rest and peace.
Anxiety and Worry: READ Proverbs 3
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 (NIV)
This passage encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and protection, which can help alleviate fears that disrupt sleep. By placing our trust in God, we are able to release worry and experience “sweet” sleep, free from fear and anxiety. It reminds us that restful sleep is one of the blessings that come from living in alignment with God’swisdom.
- What does it mean to you to experience “sweet” sleep? How does this concept differ from simply having a long or uninterrupted sleep?
- In what ways does trusting in God’s wisdom alleviate your fears? Can you identify specific fears or anxieties that you’ve been able to release by leaning on God?
- How do you typically respond to worries that disrupt your sleep? Are there strategies you currently use to combat those fears, or could you adopt new ones?
- What does it look like to live in alignment with God’s wisdom in your daily life? How can you integrate His guidance more deeply into your decisions and actions?
- Can you recall a time when you felt God’s protection, leading to a sense of peace and restful sleep? How did that experience impact your overall sense of safety and well-being?
- What specific practices or rituals can you establish to cultivate a peaceful bedtime routine? How can you create a space that encourages relaxation and trust in God?
- How can this verse inspire you to share the message of peace and rest with others in your life? Are there friends or family members who might benefit from discussing this topic?
These questions aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of how trust in God can transform your experience of sleep and rest.