(I wrote this short article back in September of 2010.)
I concur that we need both rest…and relaxation. I think it’s actually quite godly. I think God thinks so, too: “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . .” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
In fact, here’s one of my favorite quotes: “Sometimes the godliest thing we can do is to sleep” (D. A. Carson).
But I think that even deeper than physical rest and relaxation, our souls need some good ol’ R & R, too. We are a stressed and busy culture. And life is just plain hard on our hearts and minds. Disappointments assail us, and people hurt us and let us down. Failures rise, and resentment occurs on the sides of us and others. We just are icky people who desperately need some help. And if we don’t think we need help . . .then I feel sorry for your delusional thinking, quite frankly.
I read this passage I’d like to share from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament of the Bible. I think it was originally written as a song, actually.
Let those who fear the LORD say, ‘His steadfast love endures forever.’ Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (Psalm 118:4-8)
What truly exhilarating and comforting words for one’s soul! Do you long for REST FOR YOUR SOUL? Find it in trusting in the Lord with all of your heart, despite the ordeals you are facing.
Do some soul-rest. Follow the pattern of David in the Bible, who also wrote, “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Psalm 131:2).
Rest and relax by being honest with the Lord, first. Second, rest. Pour out your yuckiness and hurts and frustrations. God can handle it. God can handle you. He already knows you intimately. Then just rest and lie down and soak up His TLC.
