Living in the Spirit
June 6, 2017
Rest for the Soul
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. –Genesis 2:1-3
As I experienced life in broadening context, I discovered various types of rest are necessary to re-energize different aspects of my being. I learned about hard physical work in childhood on the farm, and in high school and college when I worked as a nurses aide and as a waitress. Being physically worn out makes sleep come easily unless one’s body aches so bad he or she cannot sleep. Days off are a haven for sore muscles.
Resting one’s mind has different challenges. My mind runs full speed ahead none stop when I am awake. Sometimes its busyness keeps me awake. I read somewhere, sorry I do not remember where that the best form of rest for a busy mind is not trying to empty it but to distract it for breaks by making it work on something other than its main focus. Counting while taking a walk or riding a bike is distracting. I must confess I have, however, walked many additional steps because I stop counting and move back to whatever subject was at hand. I hope I am making progress. Completing Sudoku’s helps me more than anything to change my focus. I find after I have rested my mind, it works better. Sleep is also very important for a restless mind.
Do we need rest for our souls? Certainly, we do. Spending time with God, listening for God is soul resting. Music helps me along this path. It is no wonder to me that Near to the Heart of God is my favorite hymn.
There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God*.
Prayer:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God*. Amen.
*First verse and refrain of Near to the Heart of God by Cleland Boyd McAfee see at http://hymnary.org/text/there_is_a_place_of_quiet_rest