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

by Eryn Lynum

What can a hummingbird’s flight, jellyfish’s life cycle, and bee’s waggle dance reveal about a restful and flourishing life?

In a world that prizes hustle and constant productivity, breaking the habit of hurry can seem far-fetched, and yet we still try to achieve it with life hacks to get more sleep and increase energy. But self-help strategies are not the solution to our exhaustion problem.

In this six-week Bible study, you'll explore the deep roots of rest found in Scripture and the outdoors while unearthing attainable rest for everyday life. Through nature reflections, scriptural word studies, and guided journaling prompts, you will learn how to

return to God’s original pattern of rest and work
turn seasons of waiting into restful growth
experience daily rest through selah pauses
practice Sabbath in a way that fits your lifestyle
live every day in God’s restful presence

God’s promise of rest offers a path out of hurry and exhaustion and into a life of peace and purpose. This is an invitation to live fully alive. Will you take it?

Genres: Christian, Faith, Christianity, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2025

About the author

Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist, Bible teacher, national speaker, and author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting and Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family’s Faith Through God’s Creation. She hosts the podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible.

Eryn lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, Grayson, and their four children, whom they homeschool—mainly in the great outdoors. Her family spends their days hiking, camping, and adventuring through the Rocky Mountains. Eryn leads nature classes and hikes and has been featured on Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Radio, Christian Parenting, Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS International, Bible Gateway, Her View From Home, and For Every Mom. Every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God’s creation with her family and sharing the adventures at www.ErynLynum.com.

Reviews

[Kadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

so many beautiful insights about what God shows us about rest through nature.

[Morgan Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a joy reading through this the past few weeks. Grab a cup of coffee and sit outside while you read it for the full experience. I loved the nature comparisons and learned not just about biblical rest, but rest in nature I wouldn't have read about orherwise. A good read.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love nature and desire to connect God’s Word to the beauty of His creation, The Nature of Rest is a must-read devotional.

This book came to me at just the right time. As a family who delights in studying God’s creation—from animals to plants—it was so refreshing to see how the author tied these elements into a deeper invitation to rest. The theme of Sabbath living, of slowing down and noticing the details, resonated so deeply with me.

I especially appreciated:
✨ The nature facts that brought the devotional to life
🔬 The "Under the Microscope" questions that encouraged reflection
📖 Bible passages printed right in the book—ready to underline and meditate on
🌿 Touches of Hebrew that added richness and depth

It’s a beautiful reminder to pause, observe, and worship through what God has made. I highly recommend this for any mom (or dad!) who feels rushed and longs for a slower, more intentional rhythm—grounded in both nature and Scripture.

I've tucked a few favorite quotes into my common place notebook, and I’ll be revisiting them often. 💛

[Caryne Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Nature of Rest, Eryn unearths the deep theological purpose and practical application of God-given Sabbath rest. The Sabbath is a gift, an invitation to rest and delight in God and who He is. For most of my life I have only seen rest as “lazy” or at best a reward for hard work. In this digging deep way of looking at rest through the scriptures and in observing God’s created natural world, I can recognize rest as gift from God. Not only that but rest offers a way to reset and renew which often leads to more effective and God centered work that we could not accomplish in our own strength. Using fascinating aspects of Creation and science, Eryn encourages us to create and implement rhythms that invite moments of rest throughout the day as well as larger periods of time to truly enjoy God’s presence in our lives. This book is more than just a good read, but a 6 week study that pushes us to confront what prevents rest and purposefully set aside time to rest where we can grow into a deeper understanding of our relationship with God.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we place ourselves in nature, our thoughts are naturally drawn to God’s character and creativity. God designed nature to aid in this process of turning our thoughts to himself.”

I love books that require me to slow down and savor Scriptural truths. This book does just that and points us to the only one who can ever bring us true rest- Our Heavenly Father. The book is organized into six weeks of reading with five days of full reading, followed by a short weekend summary of the previous five days. Each day provides an interesting look at creation and insights into how we can see God’s call for Sabbath through His creation. I loved the word study and verse by verse approach of each Scriptural reference. This is a wonderful book for Christians to read and ponder true soul rest each week. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of this wonderful book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Kathy Gossen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was shared with me; I’ll definitely share it with others. Lynum takes a daily look at different animals and objects in creation, points out how God designed all creation to take regular rest, and how we can incorporate a sabbath rhythm in our own lives. I can see families of the Charlotte Mason method especially enjoying this book but really anyone who desires rest and appreciates how everything God created points back to Him and his original design.

[Katy Bosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect 6-week summer study on the importance of biblical rest and spiritual growth. The abundance of restful rhythms found in nature were encouraging and inspiring to read. Rest is not only a pattern and provision but God’s gift to delight in. This would be a wonderful book to revisit again and again.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for anyone who feels like the ‘busy’ has gotten to be too much. We’ve all been there: grabbing our coffee in the morning as we rush out the door, chauffeuring our kids from school to sports, volunteering for another thing…and more, more, more. Before long, any margin we thought we had is replaced with doing, with striving. Our society values this hustle & hurry, all the while offering empty promises for ‘wholeness’ through health-fads and self-help strategies. But as Believers redeemed by the blood of Jesus, we are invited to step into the rest that He has already accomplished for us.

This book will help you uncover the promise of God’s rest that is ours through Christ’s finished work. Much more than a quick-fix or an easy tip, each chapter dives into what Scripture has to say and how God’s design is reflected in the natural world. As a Master Naturalist, Eryn Lynum brings her deep understanding of nature and her thorough theological understandings to bear as she guides us in looking at God’s original design for humanity, how our rest has been thwarted by the Fall, what Christ did to restore both our future & eternal rest, and how we can be faithful to practice Sabbath rest in a way that refreshes our unique souls.

This book is unlike any I have read. I am loving the chance to slow down and look at Scripture with intention and allow the Spirit to stretch and challenge me. The word studies are expanding my understanding of the text and the questions are prompting me to do some necessary soul-searching. Eryn writes in a way that is gentle & loving, while also admonishing the Believer and leaving space for the Spirit to bring conviction.

I highly recommend this brand new release from Eryn Lynum and Kregel Publishers! Thank you to both so much complimentary copy to review and share!

[Pam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryn Lynum's new book is more than just a wonderful book to read, but it is also a refreshing six-week Bible study of God's amazing plan for each and every one of us! In the Bible, in Psalm chapter 139 and verse 14, we are reminded by King David that we should praise God, our Creator, because "we are fearfully and wonderfully made!" He is the One who created everyone and everything in Heaven and on earth and "His works are marvelous!" God's creative power is beyond human comprehension. Eryn has taken the time to write this book to help us to see clearly that God has planned all along for us to rest in Him. He also has work in mind for us to do but we should keep in mind that He Himself created the heavens and the earth in just six days and then on the seventh day, He rested. Eryn gives her readers countless examples from nature and God's Word of how we can daily come aside to rest and thrive when we put our faith in Him. She notes that "God's heart for His children, including us, is to put away what is old and unhelpful, such as hurry, stress, and anxiety." We must remember as we practice rest that "God is doing a new thing. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19) I am looking forward to sharing this delightful and helpful book with others! I have been searching for an awesome gift to give to family, friends and neighbors who have been working hard and have recently graduated!

[Sunshyne Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world needed this book! The Nature of Rest is the first devotional I’ve come across that beautifully connects God’s Word to the rhythms of nature. As an outdoor enthusiast, I found it deeply refreshing and inspiring.

This isn’t just another devotional—Eryn strikes a perfect balance in each chapter: rich in insight yet short enough for even a busy mom to enjoy. She explores scripture through root words and shows where and how rest appears in nature.

My favorite week (though they’re all wonderful!) was the one on the word Selah, which many of us know from the Psalms. That chapter truly stayed with me.

Reading The Nature of Rest came at the perfect time—during one of my busiest years juggling homeschooling, a move, house renovations, and a new job. Eryn reminded me how rest is woven into creation and gave practical, meaningful ways to embrace it.

As a family, we’ve started honoring a full Sabbath day each week, which has made our other six days more productive. Inspired by the Selah chapter, I now take intentional pauses throughout the day to realign with God’s purposes.

If you’ve been curious about Sabbath rest, love God’s creation, or long for a more peaceful life in the midst of busyness—this book is for you.

[Kate Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this book if you struggle with rest like I do. It’s honestly been a struggle my whole adult life and this 6 week Bible study felt so transformative and refreshing. I love how Eryn encourages us to wonder at God’s creation and helps us to understand how the importance of rest is built into us by our creator! She encourages readers to be intentional and create margin in their schedules, to take a sabbath and to rest from phones, information overload, etc. I honestly loved this book and highly recommend getting a copy of it. Eryn’s questions help us do some deep soul-searching as we read God’s word. 🙌🏻
Last fall I was privileged to hear Eryn speak at a homeschool conference and she is just such a genuine person who is passionate about the Lord and his creation. My kids and I also love her nature podcast (Nat Theo). Don’t miss out on this beautiful Bible study, friends!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🗣️Quotes I Loved:
“God choreographed rhythms into creation to remind us to pause from our constant activity and take joy in what he has allowed us to accomplish.”

“A seed lays dormant in the ground until moisture coaxes it open. Similarly, his Word refreshes our spirits, awakening seeds of truth and goodness to sprout, grow and flourish in his good time.”

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been anticipating this book for several weeks now, and it is such a breath of fresh air! It is organized to be a 6-week study or devotional, with days 6 and 7 being set aside for rest and consideration. I highly enjoyed The Roots section of each day digs into the original language to help have a deeper analysis and understanding of what the Bible is saying at this point. The format is so helpful to consider the verse in a deeper level than a simple read-through would provide.

Overall, a call to reorganize our busy-ness to be fit for how God created us to function is much needed for me and so many people around the world. We were created to have rest in God to prepare us for the work that God has given us.

I can't overstate just how wonderful this book is! It simply but powerfully highlights just how much God has for us, and how vital rest is in order to accomplish the work He has given to us. I pray that this book will be as important and encouraging to you as it has been to me.

Thank you to the author for a complimentary signed copy of this book. All opinions in this review are honestly my own.

[Nicole N · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When we start with rest, we return to the pattern in Eden.” Such a profound statement that really gives life to the soul. We live in a world where rest is almost treated as a commodity and not a necessity. Erin highlights just how essential and God-given the act of rest is. It was a true treat to read and cling to each gentle reminder of what the Lord has always intended rest to be in both nature & in human life. He has provided for it since the beginning of creation making entire ecosystems able to sustain every species of animals, humans, and every living thing alike. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book in a devotional style as it is written for small daily readings every week. It was super amazing to read at the start of spring where I am from…seeing just how much rest during the winter months is needed to bring life forth in its many forms. And how truly beautiful the result of rest is. “The Hebrew word Shabbat means ‘to stop.’ But it can also be translated ‘to delight.’ It has this dual idea of stopping and also of joying in God and our lives in his world.” To rest, as the Lord intended it, is to delight!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy of this book and over the last 5 weeks, it has been such a help as I’ve worked my way through the daily devotions regarding rest.

The layout of this devotional is unlike others I have done- it’s meatier, has more substance. Each day of the 6 weeks study is broken into the commentary by the author, then a passage of related Scripture that breaks down the Hebrew and Greek key words, a section to Rest and Reflect, and then a larger passage of Scripture is studied using a form of the inductive study method. Love!

We are encouraged through this study that conditions do not have to be ideal to rest, that when we hear from God, we can rest on what we hear and let it germinate before taking action (oof I needed to hear this one!), and to be still- just a few of the rich nuggets awaiting you as you dive into what does it mean to rest.

I loved how each day of study shows a different way in which nature rests and then that nature example is so beautifully woven into an application for me.

This will be a study I return to often to help me ensure I am resting as I encounter different seasons of life.

[Megan Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a busy women. I homeschool my children, attend college full time, I work part time and just welcomed my first grandbaby into the world, not to mention all of the daily duties of home-making and being a wife. So, I often forget to rest, I certainly do not prioritize it.

As an avid hiker and aspiring biologist nature is always at the front of my mind, and God has much to say about creation. I love how Erin has woven the "beautiful overlapping layers" between scripture, creation and rest, to guide us on a journey to a more restful life (as Im sure we could all use it). This book is exactly what I needed to get my life back on track and priorities in better order, rest being one of them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves caught up in the busyness of life. Erin’s insights remind us that true rest is not just a luxury but a necessity—woven into both creation and faith. Its a gentle but powerful invitation to slow down, reflect, and realign our priorities in a way that honors God, ourselves and the world around us.

[Carolyn Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nature of Rest is a beautifully written and deeply enriching book. I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy and was immediately drawn in by the author’s thoughtful approach to rest, rooted in both Scripture and the rhythms of God’s wondrous creation.

Each week unfolds with fresh insight, gently guiding readers to slow down, reflect, and realign with God's pace. Through practical wisdom, biblical truth, and ecological awareness, the author paints a compelling picture of rest not as inactivity, but as intentional delight in God's presence.

What I especially appreciated were the journaling prompts included throughout. These thoughtful questions help readers process what they’ve learned and go deeper in their spiritual journey.

Full of reflection, encouragement, and inspiration, The Nature of Rest is a must-read for anyone longing to experience the peace and beauty found in God's design. Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth Gerszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and encouraging read. Nature of Rest takes you into the Bible to find the true core of Sabbath rest. It's designed to be a 6 week study (5 days/wk.) of how the Creator designed rest for all that He created. The author does a fantastic job of presenting the thoughts, scripture, and insight. She then takes the reader further by giving them journaling prompts, thoughtful reflection and more study. I particularly enjoyed her "Under the Microscope" sections each day. These parts of the study dug deeper into the scripture passage and called me into a deeper study of the Biblical context as it regarded rest. This book is such a welcome and lovely invitation for all believers to Sabbath and find their rest and refreshment in their Creator. I would recommend it to do on your own, with a book club, or with your nature group. I'm a home educator and look forward to doing this study with my children and our friends.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been just what I need. As a nature-loving mom and scripture studier, this topic has been awesome to explore. I've learned so many good things about the power of rest from a nature and gospel perspective. I loved the breakdowns of scriptures with their original Greek or Hebrew words. I had my KJV to study alongside this, and it was just as enriching. The author has opened my eyes to an inspiring, doable way to bring true rest into my life. As she writes, "Consider what you have recently asked God for. Could his readily available supply of rest be an answer to that request?" (page 32) I enjoy the way this book is divided into weeks and days with practical steps I can take every day. It walks me through finding that "readily available rest" in a peaceful, motivating way. :) (and what parent doesn't need rest right now?)

[Michelle Roccaforte · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is FOR SURE teaching me things through this book, and it has come in such a timely season for me personally.
Eryn did an amazing job combining her love of God + creation into this beautiful devotional! It speaks to what a gift rest is. In a society where busy-ness almost seems to be glorified, The Nature of Rest flips that notion on its head. All of creation rests. We were not made to be constantly going 24/7! And sometimes, seasons of rest are needed in order to be more fruitful down the road. This book has encouraged me to carve out slow, intentional time for myself and my family as a whole. It is full of fascinating facts and scriptural truths. A book I will pick up to read over and over again!♡

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever struggle with feeling like at the end of the day you could have or should have done more with your kids, but you were too busy with “xyz”? This is where I’ve been lately, so this book was perfect timing. Eryn Lynum has brought a concept that was floating around in my head to life. She gave it a name and a purpose and a guide of what it looks like. Through her love of nature and her love of the Bible together she looks at how the Creator designed his creation to have rest. She dives into what is rest, why is it needed. In a world that is constantly on the go, and pressures to be involved with more and more commitments. It was so refreshing and encouraging to have examples of rest as we set intentional habits for our family, to slow down, be intentional, be present and simplify.

[Courtney McGinty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sacred striving is far different from anxious striving." This is a perspective that I desperately needed. Books about rest and Sabbath often leave me somehow more anxious and striving. "The Nature of Rest" was refreshing from beginning to end. This 6-week study has short reflections for each day and includes practical connections to the natural world and realistic examples that can be applied to daily life without drastically rearranging your life. I find myself noticing examples of God's provision for rest and Sabbath throughout my day and it prompts me to pause and reflect on the true purpose of my work. This study would be great to read on your own, but even better with friends. I am excited to re-read it with a group of friends this summer!

[Jennifer Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those feeling trapped in the frustrating busyness of life, you will find The Nature of Rest is not a condemnation but rather a gentle invitation to a better way of abundant life-living. In a gentle affirming approach, Eryn Lynum not only sheds light on the unique juxtaposition of living a balanced life of rest and work, but she also provides practical suggestions and resources for those desiring to make a change. Eryn’s poignant connection of principles of rest found in nature backed by the power of God's Word will leave the reader desiring this restful abundant life-living and realize it truly is attainable. Even in the reading of The Nature of Rest, the reader will naturally be drawn into the attitude and practice of rest.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. It opened my eyes to the importance of Rest. I never looked at rest before through the lens of the Bible. It explains how God created everything for a purpose and sometimes we don’t realize the small things that are included. We need active and intentional rest in our lives.

I loved reading about the different animals and how rest is so important to them (hummingbirds, groundhogs, etc). We are always so busy in our lives and it’s good to slow down and appreciate what we have. We shouldn’t feel guilty for taking the time that our bodies need. It’s all part of God’s master plan. I will definitely share this book with my friends and family.

[Brian Myrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

God reveals himself through nature, and Eryn Lynum has blended her knowledge of scripture and nature to help us to learn more about God, and the gift he has given us in rest. This is a beautiful book with so much attention to detail from the peaceful color scheme to the lovely floral motifs in the pages. But don’t mistake the attention to aesthetic to mean that this book is light; on the contrary, it is packed full of scripture, key definitions, and science. This is a true study guide that serves to increase biblical literacy and an understanding and application of true sabbath rest that God has gifted to us.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at just the right time for me! Eryn does a wonderful job connecting Scripture with observations from nature in a way that makes rest feel both necessary and sacred. She consistently points back to God's Word, grounding each concept in scripture.

I particularly appreciated the balance of stories, facts, and practical applications throughout. The journaling prompts helped me apply what I was reading to my own life as well!

Eryn is clearly a gifted writer who understands the struggles many of us face with rest. Her examples of how creation also rests brought such encouragement to my soul! This refreshing book was exactly what I needed to help me embrace rest in God.​​​​

[MMRR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest.
There are opinions, ideals, and/or point of views…
and then there is something called Truth.
This book was inspired by Truth. A refreshing and peaceful voice in this hectic, busy, agenda driven world. Not a five step, "you can do" this and that manuscript. It is a stop and think, and meditate deeply on the message being shared. Eryn did a great job sharing what she has learned so far on this topic of rest. Never forgetting to give credit, and to mention from WHO she learned from. A blessing!
Full of Scripture passages written in context. It would be great to share this book with others.

[Jolie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nature of Rest is precisely the book I need in this busy season of life. It challenges my thinking about rest in such a good way. When people enter God’s rest, we are not resting in a leisurely manner but instead coming into a “perfection of motion.”
I love how Eryn Lynum beautifully and personally invites us into God’s Creation and the Word of God, using thoughtful examples from nature.

The Nature of Rest is the perfect book and Bible study for anyone feeling tired and weary from the day-to-day demands of life or for anyone wanting a deeper Sabbath to live life more fully.

I am excited to dive deeper into this book and restore a pattern of rest in my life.

[Brittany Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pace of life that surrounds us and engulfs us is ever-increasing. How do we quiet ourselves, our hearts and minds in the midst of the chaos? Eryn Lynum’s book is a breath of fresh air - so gentle in its approach, encouraging us to do just that - find our rest in Him.

To be still and know that He is God. To look at nature - to see his handiwork. To come to a quiet place with Him and find our rest in Him. In Him, our “fears are stilled, and striving cease.”

This is a 6-week gentle devotional looking at Scripture and nature, inviting us to take the gift of rest.

[Yvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a breath of fresh air! Organized into seven-day weeks, with days six and seven being very short, to emphasize rest, it makes a wonderful six-week devotional. There is a section on nature and science, then a part that connects it to our everyday less-nature-oriented lived. There is a roots section that looks at language and analysis of the Bible as it relates to the message. Overall, this is a book that reminds us that it is natural to slow down and take a period of rest...that no matter how much we think we are superwomen, we still need to pause.