As Christians, part of running counter to the world is our care over our bodies and a big part of that is physical and mental rest. Too often we can get caught up in the American dream of staying awake and never stop doing.
But We Need To Stop!
Taking Care of Our Bodies Is a Biblical Mandate
“I don’t want to rest. I have a report I need to finish,” you say, well, I’ve got some shocking news, it will still be there tomorrow. As will that housework and those errands and such…
Taking care of our bodies and minds is something we all need to do. It is wise not only in regards to our health and finances but is also a biblical mandate! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Mark 2:23-27)
But don’t misunderstand, I am not saying that it’s okay to be lazy and just not do things. What I am saying though is to take the time to check in, see how your body is doing physically and mind is energetically, and to act accordingly.
If you find yourself consistently not taking the weekends off and still going in even when your sick or sleep deprived, then you may have a deeper problem. Your problem may at that point be routed not in a drive to do (which can be dangerous and addictive as well) but rather a problem of not trusting God’s provision over your life.
I know and can say that because I’ve been there…
It is a hard lesson to learn that your so-called work ethic is really just a mask for your lack of trust in God’s provision.
Again, this is not a license to be lazy, I am not saying that you should never go in when you are still tired or sick or do a little bit of catch up work or house tasks on the weekend. I am saying that if rest is something you continually ignore, you are damaging yourself and are ultimately making a mockery of God’s design of your body and mind by saying you don’t need it.
I understand that this can be harsh, and honestly, this is something I have had to learn through years of God working on me, which is why I am so passionate about warning others so that they do not have to go through all the hard lessons themselves if they don’t want to.
Rest For Your Soul
There is good news though, God cares and is willing to help you to rest. It may be painful at times because it may mean sacrificing your pride or giving up opportunities to do things (Deuteronomy 5:12-14). But let me tell you, His rest is oh so sweet and refreshing!
So what are you waiting for?
If you need rest, please join me in this prayer, Father, you know the burdens of my life and I am grateful for all of the (work, school, housework) that you have given me. But my body needs rest. Please help me to bring you honor by giving all my worries to you and resting in your arms. Help me to take the time that You deem necessary for me to rest today, help me not to fight against you in this and to trust you with my day’s provision this day. In Jesus name, amen and amen.
