THE IMPORTANCE OF REST

The aim of this devotional today, as all of the messages God gives me, is to encourage all of us in our walk with Him, and our fellowman. The importance of rest goes back to creation. Physicians tell us that the average human needs 8 hours of sleep. But rest is not something you can quantify. Rest is broad. Sleep is a form of rest . Rest is freedom from work. Notice the word "freedom" in the definition. It implies that if you don't rest, you are a slave to work.

There are many forms of rest . Oftentimes, we only focus on physical rest, but the other forms are equally important. There's SOCIAL rest, which includes spending time with friends and family, and there is also mental rest.

Within every twenty-four hours, the body should have time to rest. The principle of rest also applies to the weekly cycle. In creation, God set aside one full day for rest, and the other six days are to be used for work and recreation.

Biblically speaking, the day of rest in the Bible is called the Sabbath. During this day, the body and mind should pull away from the cares of the world to worship and rest in the Lord. Spending time in nature brings edit rejuvenation to the body and mind.

"Overall, rest is a crucial part of maintaining our health and wellbeing. By allowing our bodies time to recover, rest helps prevent injuries and improve overall performance. It also aids in muscle repair, reduces inflammation, and supports a healthy immune system. Additionally, rest helps manage stress levels and lowers blood pressure, contributing to a healthier heart. The impact of rest on mental and emotional well-being should not be underestimated. Taking regular breaks and engaging in activities like meditation or simply unplugging from technology can enhance focus, concentration, and cognitive function. Rest also promotes stress reduction, anxiety management, and mood regulation. Furthermore, it allows the brain to process information, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities."

The big question today is, should everyone follow the command of God to stop working on the day of rest outlined in the Bible? The answer to this question is, NO! In every country, there are some jobs that require people to work. The persons who work in these jobs are called essential workers. As a citizen of your country, It is important you understand the role you play in helping your country, and its people to function at the highest level if they need your services.

In Sabbath observance, God has made provisions for mankind to care for His children's needs, health and safety. These people are classified as essential workers in their countries.

This includes: doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, prison officers, police service officers, fire fighters, social workers, border control personnel (immigration and customs enforcement officers), care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff, including community pharmacists and their staff, students on clinical placements, volunteers and unpaid careers.

If you are a person who is working in your country in any of these areas. Serve your country with joy, as unto the Lord. And take time where you can to rest.

When God created the world, the day of rest, which is the Sabbath, was hallowed at the creation. It had its origin when "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7.

Peace brooded over the world; for the earth was in harmony with heaven. "God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good;" and He rested in the joy of His completed work. Genesis 1:31.

Because He had rested upon the Sabbath, "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,"--set it apart for a holy use. He gave it to Adam as a day of rest. It was a memorial of the work of creation, and thus a sign of His creative power and His love. Genesis 2:3.

The Scripture says, "He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered." Psalms 111:4

"The things that are made," declare "the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world," "even His everlasting power and divinity." Romans 1:20.

All things were created by the Son of God. "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. . . . All things were made by Him; and without Him, was not anything made, that was made." John 1:1-3.

The Sabbath calls our thoughts to nature, and brings us into communion with the Creator. In the song of the bird, the sighing of the trees, and the music of the sea, we still may hear His voice who talked with Adam in Eden in the cool of the day. And as we behold His power in nature, we find comfort, for the word that created all things is that which speaks life to the soul. He "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6.

African Proverb is right: Even the mightiest eagle comes down to the tree tops to rest. May we all take out time where we can, to rest.

If you are blessed through this devotion, share it. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci