Rest for the Weary
find it very interesting that we as Seventh-day Adventists are some of the most focused people when it comes to rest. I mean every 7 days we “rest.” However, you know what is ironic is that in my almost 20 years of ministry I have discovered that Seventh-day Adventists are some of the most tired people there are. So let’s spend a few minute talking about rest and how to get more rest.
Physical rest
I think we have all been in the position where we haven’t gotten enough sleep the night before, and the day just isn’t what it should be. You are groggy, cranky and not as creative. Sadly, lack of sleep has become a national badge of courage; especially with products like Red Bull and Five Hour Energy drinks. However, scientific studies are showing that we are doing great harm to our health. They have shown that seven to eight hours a night is optimal.[1] Studies have also shown that “subjects who reported short (six hours or less per night) or long sleep (nine or more hours) shortened their lives by an average of nine years when compared with people who slept seven to eight hours per night.[2] NINE YEARS!!!!!! Can you imagine statistically getting nine extra years just because you got enough sleep? How do I know how much sleep I need? If you need to wake up with an alarm clock, you aren’t getting enough. Turn off Facebook, the Tonight Show or Netflix and get some sleep.
Mental Rest
I don’t know about you, but it seems from the moment I get up in the morning (with the aid of an alarm clock) till I go to bed at night, I am running at Mach 1. There are all kinds of things to do: work, family life, recreation. My mind always seems to be running. However, one thing I have discovered from someone I consider a good friend is that I need to take time to just stop. I need to stop and take mental rest. While it is many times physical as well as mental rest (I just sit still), it is a time where I just stop and relax. I take time to just decompress. No Facebook, no cell phone, no interruptions. Just letting my mind stop running for a few minutes of mental rest. I have discovered that I am much more effective if I take those short periods of time, than if I go Mach 1 from morning till night.
Spiritual Rest
Obviously this is the one that we as Seventh-day Adventists talk about and theoretically practice the most. We take one day a week to step back from our responsibilities, and spend uninterrupted time with the Creator. The challenge for us as leaders, especially in the church, is sometimes that spiritual rest on Sabbath doesn’t come because we are so busy ministering to our fellow believers. So here is what I would suggest and need to practice myself: have other times in addition to Sabbath that are times of spiritual rest. Take time to just spend time alone with God, enjoying His presence. By the way, this is in addition to those times of devotions. This is time where you rest in Him. I want to leave you with those famous words from the lips of Jesus, and hope this is a promise we can claim as we look to experience more rest, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 NLT)
Conversation:
Are you one that doesn’t get enough sleep? What can you do to change that?
Do you take time to get mental and spiritual rest? If not, what can you do to take that time for the rest you need?
[1]Creation Health: God’s 8 Principles for Living Life to the Fullest. Seminar Personal Study Guide, 35.
[2] Ibid.