Life Lesson: Rest is one of the most important things you can do

I’m not aware of scripture specifically telling us to get plenty of sleep, but we are told to:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

“keep alert with all perseverance,” – Ephesians 6:18

“Be sober-minded; be watchful.” – 1Peter 5:8

And there are others. It’s hard to hear God when you’re busy, busy, busy. It’s hard to be alert and watchful when you’re tired. Even Jesus slipped away for quiet time and rest.

It is a common practice of Satan to wear us out and wear us down in order to slip us up. Cult leaders know this well. It has long been a brainwashing tactic to deprive people of sleep and rest in order to fill their heads with the leader’s ideas.

Here”s a recent example from an article I just read by a middle-aged woman visiting a zen monastery  She described a schedule that allowed for much less sleep than she was accustomed to.

“I was so sleepy I was dizzy. I asked one of the practice leaders what was the point of the sleep deprivation. What was the wisdom in not being able to keep my eyes open when Zen practice is about endeavoring to wake up? He said that tiredness can help us to soften and let go where we might harden and grip if we were well-rested and comfortable, and thus ready with our usual defenses. Instead of falling asleep, we fall awake — opening to all that we experience because we’re too crazy tired to fight for our preferences.”

Don’t miss those key words and phrases. In other words, they wear you down through sleep deprivation until you can no longer think straight and hold on to your morals, convictions. You are too tired to fight for what you know to be true.

You don’t have to be taken in by a cult or go to a monastery to start compromising your beliefs. Life can do it to you before you know it.

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Revival or Politics

I’ve been reading through Isaiah, and this morning a picture of where our society seems to be headed came to mind. In Chapter 16, the prophet speaks of  fallen nations and longings for how wonderful things used to be.

People have always referred to the “good ole days,” but this kind of longing is different. It’s not just one of reminiscing. It’s one of desperation, with a sense of hopelessness. More and more of us seem to feel this way about our country. Political slams and warnings dominate unsolicited emails and Facebook shares. But no matter how much we criticize the government, we’ll never find the answer there.

The solution isn’t far away in Washington or Europe. It is inside each one of us. The only solution for Isaiah’s time, and the only solution for us is revival of God’s people. A great awakening, if you will. That’s where our concern should be. That’s where our prayers should focus. Otherwise…

“Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, in spite of a very large population. And those who are left will be few and weak.” – Isaiah 16:14