LIGHT FOR A HEALTHY LIFE (4)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST” – Matthew 11:28

Revelation of the Value of Proper REST is a vital part of LIGHT for a HEALTHY LIFE: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST” (Matt.11:28). REST is the divine remedy for STRESS, which contributes significantly to physical and mental health. The Lord is saying: “Come to Me, all who are stressed, and I will give you REST”! Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension due to any thought or event that makes one feel angry, frustrated, nervous. A gigantic industry exists around stress management: books and articles aimed at helping to reduce stress; and meditation and yoga classes that claim to help to cope with stress, despite their spiritual dangers.

Let’s put the matter of stress in proper perspective. Stress is a fact of life on life on earth. Life and stress go hand in hand. All will experience stress. The degree to which we effectively manage and overcome stress will determine the degree of our health. Some folks turn to food as a way to cope with stress; others to the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, tranquilizers or pornography. Turning to unhealthy behaviours to cope with stress will cause more physical and emotional downturns. The simple, time-proven, practical remedy for stress is: REST – trusting in the living, loving Lord. Despite His open invitation, precious few seem to take refuge or find rest in the Lord.

Even the godly experience stress. Trials are in life’s packages (Jh.15:19; Jam.1:2; 1Pet.1:6). Resting in the Lord does not insulate us from the roller coaster of emotions that hit when we face stressful situations. God wants us to learn from Him and be proactive (vv.28-30. The time to prepare for stress is before it hits, not in the middle of the storm. We must know God in a personal, practical, and deep way before crisis erupts! David often described God as his refuge, shelter, rock, stronghold and fortress (Psa.18: 1-2). When all seems at peace, is the time to sink down our roots in the Lord that will enable us to weather the inevitable storms of stress.

God modelled Rest: “And God did rest the seventh day from all His works” (Heb.4:4b). Rest of body and mind contributes to sound health: “I said to myself, “RELAX, because the Lord takes care of you” (Psa. 116:7, New Century Version). Rest includes our sleep habits: Going to bed at a reasonable hour, sleeping sweetly and waking up refreshed. Rest also involves engaging in hobbies, recreation, or vacations. The Lord Jesus is our Ultimate Cure for Stress. We come to Him as we read His Word, pour out our hearts in prayer, listen to inspirational music, and sit or walk quietly and listen for His voice. When we do these, He promises to give us rest. The remedy for stress is to Rest on Christ!