Have you slept today?
There are many ideas when it comes to resting. Some view rest as:
– A good nights sleep
– A twenty-minute “power” nap
– A long relaxing snooze on the beach
But did you know there is a difference between sleeping and resting?
Both try to accomplish the same thing: to recharge and refresh. But how many times have we gone to sleep only to wake up tired in the morning?
The fact is, 55% of American women are not getting enough sleep. I can only imagine how the guys must feel. And many feel the strain of working so much, that it becomes impossible to be rested one hundred percent.
So is there no end, till the end?
No Sleeping Pill Required
Well, there is good news. Here, between the pages of the Bible, we find that sleep is temporary, but rest is eternal. Rest is not a physical need, but a spiritual need.
When Jesus was speaking to his disciples, He was giving out an invitation for all, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matthew 28:11).
The familiar Psalms 23 passage also describes this leisurely, resting experience “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul” (Psalms 23:3-4).
That restoration we’re looking for can only be found spending quiet time with God.
In the process of reading His word, our soul find rest in His presence, and a peace that transcends all understanding, begins to still the worried soul (Philippians 3:5-6). Tweet
Rest in His Presence
Sleep can restore the body, but does not restore spiritual weariness. America is beginning to realize there is a great need for rest. But people will continue to go sleepless until they find rest in Jesus Christ.
It’s unfortunate that some of our schedules are particularly hectic and there may be little to no down time. But I encourage you to find a quiet place to seek the Lord. It could be on your lunch break or in your car before work. Go anywhere that will allow you to have some thinking space and a place to fill up on God’s Word.
If you feel there’s no one to talk to, Jesus wants you to come to him and tell him about your day. He is always there to listen and always “grants sleep to those He loves.”
Very Lovely post! as Peter said… it was very timely… I was not able to sleep last night… so what have I did I do? Read the word! yes it is a soothing and it did bring my restless soul… REST! Psalm 23 is one of my favorite psalms too… love it rest it promises if we would only stay beside those lovely still waters!
Amen to that Patty, I totally feel the same way.
By the way, the author of this blog post, her name is Summer Reed, and she is a wonderful sister that is involved with the Bridge and with Missions. She hasn’t filled up her author bio yet but I think you would really enjoy meeting her 🙂
Awesome! I’m glad it encouraged you guys. I’m learning the same thing too. As a college student it’s easy to get burned out and collapse on the bed, but the key to restoration is, in fact, through His word. 🙂
God bless you!
This is so timely. I have been reading the Old Testament and The Lord has been pressing on my heart about ” Rest on every side”. It started as seeking The Lord about my oldest son. But He has just been emphasizing rest from all enemies through his word and now this post. He is good and His mercy endures forever. Thank you.
Amen to that Shannon, you are right on!
Praise the Lord! God bless you and your son, Shannon 🙂