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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
We know rest is an important part of our wellbeing and balance. Rest is a command; it is holy, and it improves most everything God cares about for you from your physical and mental health to relationships! So, how are you finding rest in sleep?
A quick Google search defines sleep as “a condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours each night, in which the eyes are closed, muscles are relaxed, and the activity of the brain is altered.”
Sleep is something God created our human bodies to do, and, while we know God rested on the seventh day, we also know God is all present, all knowing, and all mighty! One would say God is always on the job, and he is always on the job so we can depend on him—even for sleep.
Jesus was the ultimate example of how important it is to sleep and wholeheartedly depend on God.
In Mark 4:37-38 we can picture this. A small boat being tossed to and fro in the waves with its passengers clinging to the sides, and there is Jesus, asleep on a cushion!
Is this a picture of your life right now? How much is your boat being tossed to and fro, and is it disrupting the most important rest, sleep? Lack of sleep can deeply hurt your immune system, your emotions, your ability to think and do good work, and it can even lead to increased depression and anxiety! If God created us for good works which he prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10), I would surely say he also created us for sleep! Without this we cannot do his good work!
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves (Psalm 127:2).
There are countless readings you can do on good sleep hygiene. I have the pleasure of knowing a functional medicine doctor, Dr. Stacie Stephenson, who talks about the need for preparing your sleep space on a regular basis. Making small changes to your space can make all the difference in winding down for the night. She suggests: a cool, dark space. Make sure you eliminate blue light. You should also try to not engage with your phone or any media (like tv) an hour before bedtime. Taking a warm bath or enjoying an herbal tea can also help you wind down. Don’t be overly ambitious with all these changes at once. Pick one or two small habit changes you can implement.