Transformational Thought
So many times I have patients who come to me with complaints of not feeling rested. We discuss their sleep patterns and “sleep hygiene”… like noise, blinds or light in the room, temperature, bed partner, evening eating, exercise habits, caffeine and alcohol use. Sometimes these corrections help, but usually, something else is going on.
You see, they do need a rest, but not a nap or more sleep. Physical rest isn’t the core issue. What they actually need is a rest from the burdens and conflicts battering them each day. More sleep or a nap only rests the body. It’s not our bodies that needs rest … it’s our souls.
How do you find rest for your soul? We look to so many cheats that masquerade as soothers. Food, alcohol, caffeine, isolation, our kids and their zillion activities, more work, status, a more secure retirement plan, hollow prayer, church activities and service, pornography, exercise, TV, affairs, escape into fantasy through books, movies, internet, computer relationships, social media, and games. The list really is endless.
Where will we find rest for our soul? Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Don’t fight the experiences and activities of the day. Accept them and see how God is growing you through these specially prescribed circumstances. Seek Him today. Go to Him. He will give you the comfort, peace, and joy you desire and need so your soul will feel rested. When your soul is rested, your body can’t help but have energy when you need it and restful sleep when you need or want it.
Today, put your life in His hands the same way you put your eternal life in His hands. Examine your stressors today and embrace them as workouts to strengthen and grow you. Be thankful for who you will be after the workout. Then ask a wise person to help you see the stressor more objectively … like God sees it. Let your soul rest with Him today and forever. His hands are big enough and soft enough!
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Today, the way ahead of me feels steep. I am slowing down, Lord, so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult, yet important lesson. I am ready to learn, I lift my hands up to You at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson, Your peace, Your presence. Light, life, joy, peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You, I reach for other things. As I reach, at times I drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord; I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in the name of the One who laid His life on the cross in Your hands, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:6-8