REST
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a change to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”” (Mark 6:31 NIV)
Our Lord Jesus Christ took time to rest, yet we do not rest. Sometimes resting is the most spiritual thing that we can do. It is very easy to lose the balance of rest in a life that is so fast paced and busy, but we must keep ourselves from falling into the extremes.
What extremes? The extreme of becoming a workaholic to the point you neglect your health or family, and the extreme of being lazy, sleeping up to twelve hours a day. Undertaking new projects, working, and serving God injects vigor and life into us. Continue serving God, but in a healthy way, always taking care of your health and recognizing when you need to rest.
Here are three areas which are essential to maintain a healthy balance in life:
1. Spiritual rest. How do you do this?
With daily prayer. Jesus rested through prayer. That is why the Bible says that he took his disciples to a quiet place to rest. The only way Jesus was able to stand so much pressure, problems, and persecution was because of his times of intimacy with the Father. If you want to protect your soul and guard your heart, you need to pray and read the Bible daily. Prayer is your source of rest and the Word is your food.
2. Physical rest.
You can pray all you want, but if you are sleeping only four hours a day, your body will eventually give you problems. You won’t be able to say: “Oh, Lord! I thought you were going to give me divine health!” We should strive to sleep at least seven hours a day. Most people need about seven to eight hours of sleep to function the next day. The key is to go to sleep early and wake up early, so that the first thing you do is pray, then enjoy the rest of your day to the maximum.
3. Emotional rest.
When you are exhausted, you are empty. You don’t have the capacity to love and you’re easily angered, right? Don’t let other people’s problems overwhelm you. If you already did everything that is in your power to help that person, then put them in God’s hands. Don’t take responsibility for other’s problems. Also, learn to live in constant forgiveness. Don’t let your heart get bitter; understand that in order to be happy in life, you will have to forgive.
Do not forget to rest in each of these areas during this week.
Think About It:
How can you rest today?
Which of these areas do you need to improve in your personal life?