Embracing RestSample

PHYSICAL REST

Physical rest gives our bodies a chance to restore and decrease muscle tension, reduce headaches, and promote higher quality sleep. From the beginning of His written Word (Gen 2:1-3), God himself demonstrates the standard of rest. Jesus continued and modeled as an example to us. Jesus rested after teaching and laying hands on the sick (Mark 1). He even told his disciples to go somewhere secluded to rest (Mark 6:31-32).

During this lifetime, we only get one physical body that we must steward well. Stewardship is defined as “the job of supervising or taking care of something.” 1 Corinthians 6 tells us that our bodies are temples to be honored. Even though scripture says (Ps 139:13-14) we were created fearfully and wonderfully, our aging bodies are also temporary and need wisdom to “be taken care of.” At a minimum, we need food, water, sunshine, and rest for survival. As long as we are housed in these bodies, we are to steward them. When our bodies are exhausted, broken, or malnourished, we cannot function properly. The condition of our bodies affects the condition of our minds and our souls as we are interconnected beings. Make it your priority to choose physical rest.

PRAYER:

“Lord, You created my body as a temple for Your dwelling. Help me physically rest to steward the gift of my temple. I will do this actively through particular body movements and exercise. I will also pursue the necessary nutrition and sleep that my temple requires. I realize that You knit me fearfully and wonderfully in my mother’s womb for a specific time as this and clothed me in flesh. Teach me how to be a greater steward of this blessing and choose the opportunities of physical rest wisely.”