Rest in Jesus

Over the last few decades medical researchers have been actively studying the subject of rest and sleep. The researchers are primarily trying to understand what exactly happens when our body rests and when a person sleeps.

Some of the important results of the research reveal what happens to various parts of our body during what is often referred to as ‘recovery.’ Recovery is when, during a time of inactivity, the muscles, tendons, joints and even down to the very cells the body is healed and rebuilt.

Some of the important results of the research reveal what happens to the brain when a person is sleeping. What occurs at a tissue level when someone is sleeping? What stage of the sleep cycle is most important for tissue to be rebuilt, etc.? What happens to the actual memories, emotions and thought processes as a person sleeps? What happens during the various stages of sleep? Which stage of sleep is needed most for optimal brain function?

One of the theories is that during certain sleep stages the brain organizes and rearranges bits of information and memories into reusable patterns. One thing that is becoming very clear is that without adequate sleep neither the body nor the brain functions correctly or even close to correctly. It is well known that without sleep people will go ‘crazy’ and ultimately dies from lack of sleep.

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV) The writer of the book of Hebrews writes about “the promise of entering his rest.”(Hebrews 4:1 NIV) The writer also declares: “Now we who have believed enter that rest, ….” (Hebrews 4:3 NIV)

Is it possible that when believers REST in Jesus’ love, acceptance, forgiveness and purposes instead of continually trying to gain his love, acceptance, forgiveness and purposes, that spiritual bodies were healed and rebuilt and in a time of rest or an attitude of rest their spiritual ‘brains, memories and emotions’ were rearranged and cataloged? What if continual striving, working and labor is a cause of people’s spiritual lives that go ‘crazy’ and ultimately ‘die?’

What is the application? Rest in Jesus’ love – He loves you. Rest in Jesus’ acceptance – He accepts you. Rest in Jesus’ forgiveness – He forgives you. Rest in Jesus’ purposes – He will work out His purposes in your life.