Rest is Not a Four-Letter Word

Okay, well technically it is- but not the kind that got you in trouble in middle school. 

Has your world world been turned upside down recently? Maybe it was the loss of your job or the end of a relationship; or it could have been the death of someone you love. Whenever life knocks your feet out from under you and you’re barely hanging on, rest is one of the wisest choices you can make.

I confess for years my addiction of choice was news media. Surely tuning in to my favorite talk radio personalities would help me solve all the political scandals both here and overseas. As sleep became more and more difficult I knew something had to change. It wasn’t cold turkey~ I didn’t want to end up in media rehab; but as I gently scaled back the 24/7 media frenzy, my mind was able wind down and rest.  

How about you? Are you downing a grande caramel Macchiato latte late in the day, then can’t sleep? Do you believe napping is for babies and lazy people?

Here’s some awesome news. God rested. Seriously, He did. In six days He created not only the heavens and the earth, but also water, the sky, plants and living creatures. And you think your schedule is intense. On the seventh day He rested. God rested. “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.” (Genesis 2:3)

Lord, help! When my schedule is unsustainable and impossible- please give me rest. When my media or life habits prevent sound sleep, help me unplug. Remind me the world will rotate perfectly well for an hour or a day, or even longer without me.  Amen.