REST – GOD’S REMEDY FOR STRESS

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

A key factor of physical and mental health is REST – the REMEDY FOR STRESS: ““Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST” (Matt.11:28). That is: “Come to Me, all who are stressed, and I will give you REST”! Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension dues to any event or thought that makes one feel frustrated, angry or 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. Many people turn to food as a way to cope with stress; others to the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, tranquilizers or pornography. However, precious few seem to take refuge or find rest in the Living God!

Life and stress go hand in hand. Everyone will experience stress in life. The degree to which we effectively manage and overcome stress will determine the degree of our health. Turning to unhealthy behaviours to cope with stress will cause more physical and emotional downturns. The simple, time-proven, and practical remedy for stress is: REST – trusting in the living, sovereign, personal Lord. Jesus says: “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find much rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light” (Matt.11:28-30).

Stress is a fact of life, even for the godly. Trials are in the deal. It is often because we follow the Lord that we face diverse trials (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 godly people face stressful situations. But God wants us to be proactive. The time to prepare for stress is before it hits, not in the middle of the storm, although we may know Him deeper therein. 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 roots in the Lord that will enable us to weather the inevitable storms of stress.

God will never let us through more stress that we can bear, if we trust in Him: “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1Cor.10:13b). He will always give us strength through the most terrifying situations. It’s only when we trust God in the midst of severe distress that we prove His faithfulness. We must actively trust in the sovereign, personal God in times of stress: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Pet.5:7). And ultimately, our trust in God should overflow into exuberant praise (Phil.4: 4-7).

God Himself modelled Rest: “And God did rest the seventh day from all His works” (Heb.4:4b). Rest – both of body and mind – contributes to sound health. The Psalmist said: “I said to myself, “RELAX, because the Lord takes care of you” (Psa. 116:7, New Century Version). In practical terms, REST includes our sleep habits. Do we go to bed at a reasonable hour? How restful is our sleep at night? Do we wake up refreshed or fatigued? Do we engage in hobbies, recreation, or vacation?

The Lord Jesus endured the supreme stress of bearing our sins by entrusting Himself to the Sovereign God: “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Psa.31:5; Lk.23:46). So must we! Jesus is our Cure for stress. We come to Him as we read His Word, get on our knees and pour out our heart to Him in prayer, listen to inspirational music, and sit or walk quietly and listen for His voice. When we do these, He promises that He will give us rest. God’s remedy for stress is to Rest in Him!