Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash
Some of us are constantly rest-less because we are not getting sufficient rest. A recent survey among 43 cities ranked Singapore as the third most sleep-deprived city.
The fast-paced city lifestyle, long hours at work, and family and church commitments are often reasons for late nights. Staying up-to-date with social media, checking email and excessive indulgence in gadgets, electronic games and television serials can deprive our bodies of much-needed sleep.
Insufficient rest over a prolonged period affects our physical health, emotional well-being, work performance and even mental wellness.
If your body is running low on “battery”, take time to rest.
Take a break by yourself, or with loved ones or friends to recharge. It may be helpful to re-evaluate your priorities and pace of life to ensure we are consistently well-rested.
The restless spirit
Some of us are feeling rest-less. We find it difficult to remain at rest. We multi-task and immerse ourselves in endless projects because we are averse to quietness and rest.
Those with a high level of energy and great capacity are prone to feeling restless. The restless spirit in us is constantly searching for something more to accomplish.
We need to channel this excess energy towards activities that are purposeful, productive and aligned with our priorities in life.
We can be rested in God because of His goodness towards us as His children.
Another group of people who may be susceptible to restlessness is people at the crossroads of their lives, or undergoing major life transitions.
The lack of a clear purpose in life often leads to an internal wrestling with our next course of action. We need to recalibrate our inner compass by taking time to pray and seek God’s purpose for our lives, and then stepping out in faith and acting upon His call.
Find true restedness
Some of us need to find rest in God (rested-ness). Being rest-less is due to our lack of physical rest, and restlessness because of our lack of purpose and the right priorities in life. Rested-ness can be achieved through proper alignment of our hearts with God.
When we place God at the centre of our lives, we experience peace and confidence in Him even in the midst of raging storms and turmoil. On the other hand, we become anxious when we try to gain control of our lives and circumstances.
Rested-ness can be achieved through proper alignment of our hearts with God.
We can be rested in God because of His goodness towards us as His children. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 116:7-9:
“Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!”
God’s faithfulness in the past, present and future is our anchor and strength to trust Him in all circumstances.
Like a weaned child resting in the mother’s arms, our souls can be still and at rest in our heavenly Father’s presence (Psalm 131:2).
May you find the rest that you need in this season of your life.
This article was written for Cru Singapore and is republished with permission. You can find more devotionals on the Cru Singapore blog.
Reflection and Discussion
1. Which of three states of rest do you find yourself in now? Are you rest-less, restless or rested?
2. Reflect on Psalm 131:2. What are you like when you are calm and quiet? How can the knowledge and remembrance of God’s goodness draw you to rest in His love?
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