Photo provided
After creating all things, God “rested” (Genesis 2:2-3). In contrast, Cain, the firstborn son of Adam, was described as “a restless wanderer.”
The word rest occurs 508 times in the New International Version of the Bible. The related word sleep occurs an additional 111 times. Our Creator reminds us 158 times to “keep the Sabbath.” The letter to the Hebrews describes the whole salvation experience as “my rest” (Hebrews 4:4-10).
Sleep researchers know how crucial it is that human beings get adequate rest. Sleep repairs and repletes cellular components that become depleted while awake. During sleep muscles repair, tissue grows, proteins synthesize and important growth hormones are released.
Fundamental processes are short-circuited affecting thinking, concentration, energy levels and mood. Sleep is necessary for neural reorganization and growth of the brain’s structure and function. This explains why infants must sleep upward of 14 hours per day.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins identifies seven types of rest that humans require, from the familiar to the less so.
Physical rest: Even if you exercise, honor your body regularly by stretching and taking breaks to breathe deeply and reboot.
Mental rest: The “would-a, could-a, should-a” train can wear out your brain. Rest your mind by regularly scheduling activities that ground you and take little thought.
Sensory rest: Take a break from devices, listen to favorite music and consider how to stimulate your olfactory senses with enjoyable aromas.
Emotional rest: The constant pressure to perform can be overwhelming. Create a space of psychological safety by identifying people with whom you can let down your guard and be vulnerable.
Social rest: This could mean being with people as well as getting away from people. Everyone is somewhere on the introversion/extroversion spectrum. Maintain the balance that makes you fun to be around.
Creative rest: Don’t confuse this with being productive. This is about noticing the details in things. Immerse yourself in music, theatre, art, dance, comedy, sports — whatever reawakens your curiosity.
Spiritual rest: This is at the core of who we are. This is where we connect with the good that went on before us and will continue after us. It fuels our faith, our love and our hope. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved” (Psalm 127:2).
The decision to kick back in a hammock or meditate in a comfortable chair can help us experience the truth that the world continues to run quite well without our hand on the wheel. There is a wise, caring and all-sufficient God upholding the universe, watching over his people and doing it all without breaking a sweat.
Take five. Or better yet, take ten.
