The Truth about Mental Health: Rest

Rest, we know we need it…sort of.

If the world isn’t telling us that the winners are the ones who get in there and get it done, then they’re reminding us that it’s a sign of weakness to sleep too much, take too many days off, and leave our phone on silent for too long.

Somewhere in there we also got confused about rest Biblically.

Somewhere maybe we got the idea that rest was for eternity.

Somewhere maybe we learned rest is ok, but we only need it because we’re weak sinners in a broken world.

Somewhere maybe someone taught us rest was a good gift even…but forgot to show us they in fact needed it by taking days off, leaving time for conversation, and occasionally letting other people handle the problems of the world.

We are not called to be superheroes of the world and save everyone each day. We have a Savior, that job is not up for grabs.

We are called to be real people, in a real world, with real gifts, one of which is the gift of rest:

Beautiful stillness, sweet sleep, time away from people and their drama, a deep breath, and God’s Word to fill our lungs, our life, and our hearts.

On today’s podcast we learn from Rest Expert Brenda Jank from runhardrestwell.com. I call her a Rest Expert half jesting, but also serious. She has studied Biblical rest and the science of rest for years and we get to soak it in through her lively spirit and wise words.

The Truth about Mental Health today:

We are called to rest.

It’s good for our minds, good for our bodies, good for our relationships, and most importantly…God calls it good and He seems to know best.

Listen in and then tell us how you find real meaningful rest.

Which of the four rhythms of rest are the hardest for you to work into your life?

What have you learned on your journey about rest and the gifts of God surrounding work and rest?