REST YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT.

We live in a society that makes you feel like we must always be "chasing the bag" or "hustling". Often times, it can feel like if we are not overworking ourselves, then we aren't doing enough. There are so many goals we want to accomplish, but more often that not, we are told success is only for those who work hard. As christians we should not be slothful, but Godly wisdom states in Psalm 127:2, "it is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." When we search first his Kingdom we are guaranteed that all things will be added. This allows us to rest in Him.

When we trust and allow God to lead us according to His will and appointed times, it makes it easier for us to rest in Him. We know that God is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:12) and there are seasons for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.")

So let us give our worries to Him and quiet our souls before Him; trusting that the plans He has for us are for good and not evil, to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future.

WHAT DOES RESTING IN THE LORD LOOK LIKE TO YOU ?

Make time for the Lord; whether it's in your prayer closet, your car or your bedroom. While community and church is great, we must individually have our own relationships with our Father. Put some time aside for just you and the Lord daily. He will begin to give wisdom, revelation and understanding.

The more you read the Bible, the more you will be able to discern the voice of God between the voice of the enemy, making it easier to rest in him.

Resting our minds is bringing every thought to the captivity and obedience of Christ, so that before we start to overthink or stress ourselves out, we can remember what the word of God says about our situation. If it goes against His word, we cast that thought down and replace it with the word of God (1 Corinthians). For example...

• When confusion starts to creep in, we rebuke it because we are aware that "God is not the author of confusion but of peace in all churches of the saints" (1 Corinthians 14:33)

• Before you worry, remind yourself that the Lord tells us to "Cast all your anxieties upon him, because He cares for us." (1 Peter 5)

• When you can't figure out how you will pay your bill next month, decree and declare that "My God shall provide for me according to all his riches and glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

• If you start to feel fearful, you must decide to "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

• When it seems too difficult to make a decision, "Put your trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

WHAT DOES RESTING LOOK IN YOUR DAILY HABITS?

Rest is a fundamental part of health, happiness, and being successful. The body cannot function properly without resting. When we rest, we allow time for our bodies to heal. It alleviates stress, and gives us the space to make wiser decisions.

How do you incorporate rest in your daily routines? Do you spend your free time scrolling on social media? Social media triggers the production of dopamine, commonly known as the

'feel-good" hormone; which is why we can scroll for hours without noticing how long its been. Social media has also been linked to increased depression, FOMO (fear of missing out), and negative feelings from comparison. These emotions can tempt us to be covetous, which can invite spirits of jealousy and envy. There are many benefits of social media, but we have to recognize when it's time to take a break and disconnect.

How about your relationships? Do you set boundaries with that friend who wants to speak on the phone for hours? Can you resist the urge to check work emails on your day off? These things can actually burn you out overtime (believe me, I speak from experience). When you start to feel drained from relationships, it's time to go back to the source: our

Heavenly Father. Psalm 23:5 reads: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." If it's a situation that can wait, sometimes the healthy thing to do is telling them you'll call them later, or check that email when you're back at work. When our cup is overflowing we are then able to pour into others without being drained.

How are your sleeping habits? Are you making sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep at night? Harvard health experts suggest that healthy adults need at least 7 hours of slumber per night at a minimum. Sleep is important for brain performance, memory, mood, metabolism and your overall health. Not getting enough sleep can increase a risk of many diseases and disorders like obesity or dementia.

TIPS ON HOW TO GET BETTER QUALITY SLEEP

• Pray before you sleep

• Pay attention to what you eat and drink (avoid large meals or drinks with caffeine)

• Stick to a sleep schedule

• Get adequate amounts of physical activity/exercise

• Limit alcohol

• Take a magnesium glycinate supplement

• Limit electronic usage an hour before sleeping (TV, smart phones‚ computers)

• Sleep in a colder room

• Invest in a better mattress/bedding

23 RELAXING ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU REST

1. Travel

2. Read Scripture

3. Enjoy a day at spa (get a facial, nails done, massage)

4. Cook

5. Bake

6. Organize and clean

7. Meet up with a friend (cafe, gallery, museum)

8. Go on a date with your partner (movies, dinner, beach)

9. Listen to podcast or sermon

10. Read a good book

11. Watch a good show or movie

12. Take a nap

13. Find creative activities (learn an instrument, paint, crotchet)

14. Go to the gym

15. Attend a local festival

16. Go shopping

17. Stretch

18. Take a warm bath!

19. Have some chamomile tea

20. Explore the outdoors (go on a walk, gardening, picnic)

21. Listen to good music

22. Create a bucket list

23. Try a new restaurant!

This is a feature of our March 2024 newsletter. Sign up below to join the community and receive our monthly newsletters.