In the context of the Bible, the concept of relaxation is not directly addressed as a specific topic or commandment. However, the principles of rest, peace, and trust in God are prevalent throughout the Scriptures, providing a framework for understanding the importance of relaxation in the life of a believer.

Sabbath Rest

The idea of rest is foundational in the Bible, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath rest is a divine example set by God Himself, emphasizing the importance of ceasing from labor and taking time to rest.

The commandment to observe the Sabbath is reiterated in the Ten Commandments, as seen in Exodus 20:8-10 : "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This commandment underscores the necessity of regular rest and relaxation as a part of spiritual obedience and physical rejuvenation.

Jesus and Rest

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, also highlighted the importance of rest. In Mark 6:31 , Jesus said to His disciples, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This invitation came after a period of intense ministry, indicating that even in the pursuit of spiritual work, there is a need for physical and mental relaxation.

Furthermore, Jesus offers spiritual rest to those who are burdened. In Matthew 11:28-30 , He declares, "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." This passage highlights the rest that comes from trusting in Christ and relying on His strength rather than our own.

Peace and Trust in God

Relaxation is also closely tied to the biblical concept of peace, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, is promised to guard the hearts and minds of believers in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). This peace is a form of spiritual relaxation, allowing believers to remain calm and composed amidst life's challenges.

Trusting in God is another key aspect of biblical relaxation. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." By placing trust in God, believers can experience a sense of relaxation, knowing that their lives are in His capable hands.

Practical Application

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "relaxation" as a term, the principles of rest, peace, and trust provide a comprehensive understanding of its importance. Believers are encouraged to incorporate regular periods of rest into their lives, to seek spiritual peace through a relationship with Christ, and to trust in God's providence. These practices not only honor God but also contribute to the overall well-being of the individual.

Perils to the virgins Themselves Attendant Upon Not-Veiling.
... Thus the forehead hardens; thus the sense of shame wears away; thus it relaxes;
thus is learned the desire of pleasing in another way! Footnotes: [323] Comp. ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter xiv perils to the virgins.htm

Elucidation.
... bishops. Even Rome relaxes her discipline for the Uniats, and hundreds
of her priesthood, therefore, live in honourable marriage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to his wife/elucidation.htm

Why we are to Use the Bath.
... ways. Constant use of the bath, too, impairs strength and relaxes the physical
energies, and often induces debility and fainting. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix why we are to.htm

Causes and Circumstances of Dreams what Best Contributes to ...
... As to the seasons of the year, dreams are calmer in spring, since summer relaxes,
and winter somehow hardens, the soul; while autumn, which in other respects ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter xlviii causes and circumstances of.htm

In the Father's Glory Shining,
... III. 'Tis Thy hand that guides the chariot. When the sun illumes the skies,. And
the dark of night relaxes. When Thou bidst the moon arise. IV. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/in the fathers glory shining.htm

The Secret of Power
... The importunity of the father's prayers is vain, and the tension of expectancy in
his eager face relaxes into the old hopeless languor as he slowly droops to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the secret of power.htm

The Meditation of the Lover in his Love: and the Forsaking of ...
... Truly Thou seest that I am wounded to the quick with Thy fair beauty, and the longing
relaxes not but grows more and more, and the penalties here present cast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter v the meditation of.htm

Prayer and Importunity
... of importunity; the pressing of our desires upon God with urgency and perseverance;
the praying with that tenacity and tension which neither relaxes nor ceases ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vi prayer and importunity.htm

A Rationale of Sleep, of Yawning, and of Dreams .
... 2. For instance, emptying succeeds fulness, and on the other hand after emptiness
comes in turn a process of filling: sleep relaxes the strain of waking, and ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xiii a rationale of sleep.htm

This Disease of Concupiscence in Marriage is not to be a Matter of ...
... concupiscence, and is not overcome by it, when he bridles and restrains its rage,
as it works in inordinate and indecorous motions; and never relaxes his hold ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 9 viii this disease of.htm

Relaxes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Relaxes (1 Occurrence). Matthew 5:19 Whoever,
therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and ...
/r/relaxes.htm - 6k

Relax (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Hence, to relieve from attention or effort; to ease; to recreate;
to divert; as, amusement relaxes the mind. 4. (n.) To ...
/r/relax.htm - 9k

Re-laying (1 Occurrence)
Re-laying. Relaxes, Re-laying. Relays . Multi-Version Concordance Re-laying
(1 Occurrence). ... Relaxes, Re-laying. Relays . Reference Bible.
/r/re-laying.htm - 6k

Relaxation (1 Occurrence)

/r/relaxation.htm - 7k

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