I find it interesting that humans require sleep and rest. Maybe it’s a need that happened after the fall of Adam and Eve. But since God created night during Creation Week, it would be logical that Adam and Eve needed rest and sleep before the Fall. Could it be that we were created with a need to rest and sleep as a reminder of how God rested on the 7th day, at the end of His work of creation?
“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Genesis 2:2 (NKJV)
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV)
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (NIV)
We know that if we don’t get enough sleep, it has negative side effects on our health. A lack of sleep increases our chance to get cancer, affects our ability to think, causes weight gain, and increases our chance of having a stroke. With that said, sleep is a necessity for a healthy body. Although God rested on the seventh day and encourages us to observe the sabbath, God does not slumber or sleep.
“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 (NKJV)
Jesus ate, drank, slept, and experienced exhaustion while living on earth. He knows the weariness of a heavy burden and lovingly offers Himself as a place of rest. He wants to be our refuge.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; My salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Eternity will be spent living in perfect bodies. Sleeping may be a part of our experience but not due to exhaustion or weakness because our bodies will be perfect. Just as there is a good chance we’ll eat delicious food at heavenly banquet tables, we may have an option to nap or rest for our amusement and enjoyment. For now, rest and sleep when your body tells you to slow down. Remember, God rested on the seventh day and Jesus slept in a boat with a mighty storm surrounding Him. Hand over to God all of your worries and trust Him with the future outcome. He is good and loves you more than you can imagine.
Categories: INSPIRATIONAL DEVOTIONS, INSPIRATIONAL PICTURES, THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Luke 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."