Rest

Meaningful Rest

Every organ in the human body needs time for rest and recuperation.  During sleep our muscles relax and our nervous system is relieved of strain imposed upon it by the activities of day-to-day living.  The body uses this time to repair and renew its self.  Getting appropriate sleep is very important for good health. 

The amount of sleep a person needs is determined on a personal basis.  However specialists report that and average adult needs 8 to 8 ½ hours of sleep a day. Early to bed and early to rise is an excellent idea. We get our most quality sleep before midnight. One hour of sleep before midnight is equal to 2 hours of sleep after midnight. 9:30 p.m. is a good time to set for bedtime.

Here are some ways of promoting restful sleep: Get regular physical exercise, have a set time for going to bed and getting up in the morning, avoid late meals and overeating, avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, and alcohol. Prior to bedtime avoid activities that will excite you. You may find a warm bath very relaxing and soothing.  Your bedroom should be cool, full of fresh air, and as dark and quiet as possible. Relax your mind.  Leave the worries of the day behind you. Prayer and meditation on Scripture can help calm and relax you.

God does not become sleepy or tired, yet he demonstrated the importance of rest.  “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made” (Genesis 2:3).

Having created us, God knows what is best for us.  He set aside a whole day, a twenty-four hour period each week specifically for our rest and communion with Him.  He has commanded us to, “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.  Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, not thy son, not thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath Day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11).

This time is set aside for a true rest and reflection upon the Creator.  A time to fellowship with God and be renewed in spirit and in truth.  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Take time to rest in Christ.  Proper rest habits will contribute to the quality and intensity of your life.