GETTING ENOUGH REST?
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
~
Matthew 11:28-30
FOCUS FOR TODAY
God wants you to get enough rest.
The world wants you to burn the candle at both ends.
Trust God.
Even the most inspired Christians can, from time to time, find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is rightfully our in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.
God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. But sometimes, abundance and peace seem very far away. It is then that we must turn to god for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us.
Gos expects us to work hard, but He also intends for us to rest. When we fail to take the rest that we need, we do a disservice to ourselves and to our families.
IS your spiritual battery running low? Is your energy on the wane? Are your emotions frayed? If so, it's time to turn your thoughts and your prayers to God. And when you're finished, it's time to rest.
I said to myself, "Relax and rest.
God has showered you with blessings."
~
Psalms 116:7
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
GETTING EIGHT HOURS IS IMPORTANT
Most adults need about eight hours of sleep each night. If you are depriving yourself of much needed sleep in order to stay up and and watch late-night television, you've developed a bad habit. Instead, do yourself a favor: turn off the TV and go to bed.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
MORE FROM GOD'S WORD
Romans 12:2
New International Version (NIV)
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:30-31
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 121:1-2
New International Version (NIV)
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Leviticus 23:3
New International Version (NIV)
3 “‘There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the LORD.
MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT
GETTING ENOUGH REST
Satan does some of his worst work on exhausted Christians when the nerves are frayed and their minds are faint. - Vance Havner
One reason so much American Christianity is a mile wide and an inch deep is that Christians are simply tired. Sometimes you need to kick back and rest for Jesus' sake. - Dennis Swanberg
Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and out bodies together. - Thomas Dekker
Take a rest; a field that has rested gives bountiful crop. - Ovid
Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. - Ben Franklin
EXHAUSTED? TRY TURNING OFF
THE TV A LITTLE EARLIER
Since you can't cheat Mr. Sandman, don't even try. When in doubt, do the smart thing: do whatever it takes to get the sleep you need. It's the smart way to schedule your day and your life.
WORKING IT OUT
MAKE IT FUN
If you genuinely want to exercise more, find exercise that you enjoy. And if you can't seem to find exercise that you enjoy, search for ways to make your current exercise program a little less painful and a little more fun.
IF YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING TIPS
1. Reduce your intake of caffeine or eliminate caffeine entirely from your diet. The residual effects of too much coffee (or too many caffeine-loaded soft drinks) may be contributing to your sleeplessness.
2. At least one hour before bedtime, begin the process of preparing for sleep by putting yourself into a calmer state. Don't watch television programs that might upset you or "get your juices flowing." Instead engage in quieter pursuits (such as reading) in order to ready yourself for a good night's sleep.
3. If you can't fall asleep quickly, don't lay in bed and worry about the fact that you are not sleeping. Get up, pick up a book,and read until you feel tired. Then go back to bed. Your bed should be a place for sleeping, not a place for worrying.
4. Establish regular sleep patterns by getting up at the same time everyday. Even if you don't fall asleep until a very late hour, force yourself out of bed at the same time each morning. This practice will, within a few weeks, help you to establish a more normal pattern of sleep.
6. Engage in sensible physical exercise on a regular basis.
7. If you or someone close to you feels that your lack of sleep is posing a hazard to you physical or emotional well-being, consult your physician.
8. Remembering the words of Victor Hugo: "Have courage for all the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones. And when you have finished your daily task, go to sleep. God is awake."
STRENGTHENING YOUR FAITH
ANGRY? MAYBE YOUR JUST TIRED
 |
| Oftentimes, our anger is nothing more than exhaustion in disguise. When in doubt get eight hours of sleep. |
MORE FROM GOD'S WORD
ABOUT PEACE
Philippians 4:7-8
New International Version (NIV)
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
165 Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Psalm 119:165
New International Version (NIV)
165 Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
Colossians 3:15
New International Version (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)
3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
John 16:33
New International Version (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Come, come, come unto Me,
Weary and sore distressed;
Come, come, come unto Me,
Come unto Me and rest.
~
Fanny Crosby
NOTES TO YOURSELF
Write down several things that you can do to insure that you get enough rest each night.
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