About this time of year, students of all ages are happy to have a break from their studies. A little R&R is appreciated by many others as summer moves onto the calendar.
Some make plans to travel great distances while others go on day trips. Still, others do “staycations”, visiting local points of interest, friends, and family.
Whatever your plans, don’t forget to take God along with you.
After all, He was the inventor of rest and renewal, so here are some Bible verses about vacation to get you off in the right direction.
Bible verses about vacation and rest
“Whatever you do, in your words or actions, do it all in the name of the Lord.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
If there are top Bible verses about vacation, this is it, along with 1 Corinthians 10:31 which basically says the same thing.
When what we do gives glory to God it strengthens our connection to Him. It also helps bring His light into a world of emotional and spiritual darkness. Even our vacations are to reflect that light.
The words “vacation” and “holiday” are used in different parts of the world to mean the same thing. Having its origins in the 14th century, the word “vacation” is not found in the Bible. But don’t let that bother you.
While dictionaries define vacation as “cessation of activity”, it really is a change in activity or routines. Thus schools call the brief change “summer vacation or summer break.”
From the beginning of time, we see Bible verses about vacation or rest from our sometimes grueling responsibilities and busy schedules. It began with nighttime to allow for some rest every day (Genesis 1:5, Genesis 2:2-3, Psalm 127:2)
God also knew that constant work would burn us out and so He demonstrated the need for us to rest 1 day out of 7.
Occasionally, there is a need for an extended length of renewal, such as going on a retreat or sabbatical.
These kinds of rest are demonstrated in Scripture when land is given a full year’s rest from growing crops (Levticus 25). Not only is it good for the soil, but it is also good for the farmer as it gives him time to focus on other activities and planning.
“Play and recreation and days off and nights of sleep are re-creation of creative, fruitful labor for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the world.” John Piper
Did Jesus Go on vacation?
Here we find more Bible verses about vacation. You might call this a mini-vacation.
“But Jesus often withdrew to desolate places and prayed.” Mark 1:45, Luke 5:16 ESV
There are times when we need a break from the noise and demands around us to just regroup, as Jesus did many times.
In order to serve others we must maintain our own physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
So where did Jesus go for renewal? To the desert, gardens, mountain tops, and even the hull of a boat to nap. His renewal almost always included some form of nature.
Fresh air, the beauty of plants and trees, the sound of water, the feel of a gentle breeze on the skin, and the sound of birds are all therapeutic to our minds and souls.
Bible verses about vacation and your finances
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other…” Romans 13:8 ESV
Some people go into debt in the name of rest and relaxation. This is a trap. It makes the borrower a slave to the lender.
R&R does not have to be costly. Jesus used the spaces close by for His retreats.
Christian service vacations
Service vacations are some of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and our families. They shine the light of Jesus to a lost world.
Service to others comes in all shapes and sizes. Check with your church first as they usually are aware of service projects locally or denominationally.
Your church may also know of short-term mission projects assisting those in need regionally and around the world.
Retreat vacations
Time away from TV, social media, and the demands of the world can give your soul and spirit a huge boost. Retreats can be as short as a day or a weekend.
For more intense Bible Study and personal reflection, many church denominations offer regional or national retreats.
One retreat center where you can never go wrong is The Cove , Billy Graham Retreat Center, in North Carolina.
Ways to Include God on any vacation
Planning is probably one of the most important factors for including God on your vacation.
As humans, we must be deliberate about our relationship with God. That being said, let’s dive into intentional ways to include God on any vacation.
Before leaving home
1. Include your Bible and a notepad on your packing list.
2. Be flexible. Allow time slots that do not have any destinations or activities. This will allow for impromptu reading, or just looking for God’s fingerprints in nature.
3. Pray before leaving home, not only for safe travels but also for revelations of God’s love and character along the way. Also, pray for opportunities to share God’s love with strangers.
During the vacation
4. Take praise and worship music with you for times when you can’t read or do anything else. You can also listen to Scripture, Christian podcasts, or audiobooks.
5. Be realistic about your vacation plans. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we envisioned. Look for ways to thank God for this re-direction.
A change in plans may be God protecting us. Maybe He has something better for us. Here is another one of the Bible verses about vacation that is good to remember.
“All things work for good and God’s glory for anyone who loves God.” Romans 8:28
6. Don’t compromise your standards. If you never miss a Sunday worship service when you are at home, don’t start now. Many churches have their services online.
You can also make your own worship service by singing, reading your Bible, and praying.
Also, choose movies to watch in your hotel room that you would be comfortable having Jesus watch with you.
7. Look for ways to serve others through random acts of kindness.
8. Be a good witness by cleaning up after yourself. This is how you would want to be treated if you were a park employee, hotel employee, or some other service worker.
One of the Bible verses about vacation, or any other time is:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Matthew 6:12
7. Document the ways God is speaking or revealing Himself to you along the way.
When you return home
8. As you share with friends, family, and co-workers about your vacation, include ways God protected you, enriched you, and allowed you to serve others.
More Bible verses about vacation
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
If you want a successful vacation, remember the Bible verses about vacation and take God along with you. You will be glad you did.
Resources
I want to give you a free Vacation Checklist. If you have further suggestions for it be sure to mention them in the comments
Other resources:
- Retreat Finder
- About short-term mission trips
- Thanks to Merriam-Webster for the history of the word “vacation.”