What Does God Say About Rest: God’s Design in Creation

“Rest and work were created to complement each other.”

– Eryn Lynum

So many of us are weary—in body, mind, and spirit. In these moments, we ask, What does God say about rest?

Eryn Lynum, master naturalist and author, joins Ellen Krause to explore how rest—rooted in nature, Sabbath, and surrender—can restore our faith, our health, and our homes.

When Rest Becomes Essential [2:28–3:59]

“We couldn’t sustain the pace we were keeping.”

Eryn and her husband hit a breaking point in their busy life of homeschooling four kids and running three businesses. Like many of us, they were overwhelmed by a culture of hustle.

About three and a half years ago, they began observing the Sabbath—and it changed everything.

• Rest shifted from optional to vital
• Sabbath became transformative to their family and faith
• They saw God’s call to rest was already present—in Scripture and creation

What Does God Say About Rest in Times of Suffering? [4:30–7:47]

At just 14 years old, Eryn was diagnosed with Addison’s disease—an autoimmune disorder that shuts down the adrenal glands. Because her body can’t produce cortisol, stress can become life-threatening.

Eryn’s diagnosis forced her to pay close attention to limits, and God used this illness to teach dependence and rest, even 20 years later.

God’s Rest Revealed in Nature [8:38–10:53]

As a master naturalist, Eryn sees Scripture and creation pointing to the same truth: all of God’s creation thrives through rhythms of rest.

• In Scripture, Jesus taught through sparrows, flowers, and trees
• In nature, hibernation, migration, even plant dormancy illustrate God’s design for rest
• Nature flourishes not in constant activity—but in vital, seasonal pauses

Rest as a Source of Strength [14:28–16:18]

Even bees—known for their constant movement—need sleep to fulfill their purpose.

Rest enables animals to fulfill their purpose [foraging, pollinating, reproducing]. Similarly, rest fuels our work.

• Forager bees can’t communicate nectar locations without rest
• Rest is not idleness—it’s essential to vitality
• Human work and rest are meant to complement, not compete

The Rhythm of Sabbath [16:53–19:37]

Sabbath is not just Old Testament law—it’s God’s rhythm, established at creation.

Shabbat is the Hebrew word that we get Sabbath from, and it means “to stop”. We see God do this in the Creation story…after six days of creating, he not only stops, but he delights in what he made.

However, Adam didn’t do the same. Instead, his first day was on the Sabbath.

Like Adam, we were created to live from rest, not for it.

What does God say about rest? He calls it holy, restorative, and essential for the soul.

Natural Metaphors That Mirror Sabbath [21:22–25:57]

When Eryn moved to a new home, she restored their yard with native perennials. The plants were just beginning to bloom—then winter came. But Eryn wasn’t concerned. Why not?

Perennials thrive because of seasonal pauses. Those seasons of rest strengthen their roots.

• Rest isn’t weakness—it’s preparation
• Even hummingbirds enter daily torpor (mini hibernation) to survive their energy demands
• Every part of nature honors a cycle of work and rest

Starting Small with Sabbath [31:47–35:08]

Rest doesn’t have to be a full day right away. Start where you are:

Begin with two lists: what to stop, and what brings delight.

If a full day feels impossible, try setting aside four hours one day a week. Turn off your screens and put away your to-do list, and instead do the things that bring you delight (gardening, reading, sports, etc.) This will look different for everyone!

Even 30-minute “Selah pauses” throughout the week can renew your spirit.

As you consider your rhythms of work and worship, reflect on this: what does God say about rest? How can you respond in faith?

Dive deeper: The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living

More from Eryn: Website | Podcast | Family Values Guide

Eryn’s favorites: NASB 1995 | ESV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible | Fine-Tip Sharpie Pens | Gel Pens | Blue Letter Bible | Logos Bible Software

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