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The Law of RESTING May 11, 2007

Posted by Han in : Life's Challenge , trackback

Right from the very beginning of the bible, God introduces a very important principle. It is the natural law of RESTING. God created the heaven and the earth in six days and on the seventh day He rested.

Today, many of the things in this world are governed by the law of resting. For example, the production in the factory needs to schedule a yearly downtime for the machines. Every car needs to be sent for service for every 5000 km. As for us, six days of work and Sunday is a rest day (or holiday). What about our daily work? You have lunch break, morning and afternoon tea. These are designed specially for our bodies to rest. The same principle applies in the sport arena – half time or short break.

Why do you need rest?

1) It is the order of God. No one can go against the natural law of resting. No one can say he or she doesn’t need to rest and sleep. In fact our physical bodies are designed according to this principle. We need to take regular rest and have sufficient sleep everyday. This is the order of God – six days of work and the seventh day is a rest day. The bible in the Old Testament called this a Sabbath Day and it is specifically mentioned in Exodus 20:8, remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Sabbath from the dictionary actually means a time or period of rest, cease from labor, trouble and pain.

2) To avoid frustration and discouragement. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus was at the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was too caught up with the work at home. She was worried and troubled. She was totally distracted but look at Mary, she was at the feet of Jesus. What is the problem? There is something we can learn here. There is a time for everything. When Jesus was at their home, it is the time to stop everything. Similarly, there is a time to rest or else we will end up frustrated and discouraged like Martha. Frustration and discouragement will only cause inefficiency, unproductive and stress.

3) To recuperate. Your strength is like the power of a battery or the fuel in a car. It needs to be charged or refilled. In Isaiah 40:31, those that wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength. Matthew 11:28, come unto me all who are weary and heaven laden, I will give you rest. If you are exhausted and you are feeling very tired and you are drained out, I would suggest that you take some time out to REST. Do not force yourself anymore, TAKE A REST! Do not think that the world will collapse without you. Take a rest, recharge your battery and refill the fuel again. You will be able to go further and perform better.

I have shared 3 reasons why you must take a rest. Next, is the practical aspect - plan for a holiday with your family or friends. Break away from your normal work routine and have a GOOD REST. You will see the difference – physically you will be strengthened, emotionally you will be refreshed and spiritually you will be renewed. HAPPY RESTING!