Cultivating Rest
I like the story in Mark when Jesus told his disciples to come away from the crowds and rest for a while. As Jesus’s ministry became busy, he was daily thronged by the crowds who wanted to see, hear and touch him to get healing from all of their infirmities. He modelled for his disciples the need to take the time to rest in between ministry in order to prevent burn out. Even God himself in the creation story worked six days and then on the seventh day rested. I don’t believe that God was tired, but he wanted to model for us the necessity of rest and recovery.
You cannot work seven days a week and have a balanced lifestyle. If you do then one area of your life is bound to suffer as well as your health and emotional well-being. Along with the weekly rest on weekends, most companies have built in annual leave for people to schedule breaks from work to recuperate. Solomon spoke of the importance of a time and place for everything which includes times for work and times for rest. We have to learn to be kind to ourselves and listen when our body is saying that it is tired and needs rest. Some people are a bit more hyperactive or energetic than others and different personality types prefer busier over sedentary lifestyles.
Some cities and countries have different levels of productivity and cities have prized themselves on being ‘the city that never sleeps.’ Some people even brag about being able to survive on a few hours sleep daily. Even the bible warns against these lifestyle practices and encourages rest and sleep. “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2). Yes my friends, sound sleep and rest is recommended in scripture.
Beyond the concept of physical sleep is the concept of rest which comes from learning to be content. This is because it is possible to sleep and still feel tired because we are unsettled. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). This also comes from being at peace with ourselves and with God. This happens when we have prayed about everything so that we don’t hold unto any anxieties. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
September 21, 2021September 21, 2021
