Wise Use of Rest

“Wise Use of Rest” by Gien Karssen

Rest can have a paralyzing influence. Our muscles weaken through lack of exercise. Too much rest keeps our spirits less alert. Our minds need constant stimulation for their development. The Prophet Nehemiah writes, “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” (9:28)  A person needs three attitudes to use a time of rest profitably: gratitude for previous blessings, a desire to correct past mistakes and prevent them in the future, and a willingness to occupy himself constructively. The best way to prevent evil is by doing good. Good intentions by themselves are not sufficient to guarantee beneficial rest. When our rest changes to unrest, we must return to God and appeal to his forgiveness and compassion. This is corrective living. Preventive living is obeying God’s Word – the Bible – in order that we take the right road from the very beginning.

Dear Lord,

In times of rest, keep me diligent and faithful to Your Word and strengthen my resolve to walk in Your Way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.