Finding Rest in the midst Pressure
By Minister Moses – April 2011
Technological progress in mass communication has been truly impressive. So rapid has been its advance that most of us have no idea just how far it has really reached. I am sometimes awe struck at how, with just a few keyboard clicks, I can locate and communicate with relatives I last saw when I was in nappies. Through popularisation of the internet, cell phones and social networking sites, conventional means of communication such as the good old fashioned postal service are now regarded as ‘snail mail’ and almost outlawed by anyone under the age of 25!
A Ceaseless Culture
All of this comes at a price however; the startling attrition of our privacy and a serious information overload. If someone does not get you on your land line, they will immediately try your cell phone. If that fails they will try your second cell phone and then send you an urgent email, which you’ll probably receive on your phone. If you fail to answer all of these within 12 hours, you’re likely to be questioned – “Didn’t you get my messages?”, “…Is your phone working?”, “Who’s your email provider?”…all in such a manner to suggest you’ve broken some obligatory minimum response time.
This overload has led to a scarcity of solitude, peace and tranquillity, and despite all its benefits in commercial progress, it’s having negative effects on our health and happiness.
I like a bit of peace and quiet from time to time, don’t you? We all need time to enjoy our own company, recharge our batteries and regain a proper perspective on life. Yet surrounded by electronic machines on constant stand-by, it is easy to forget that we ourselves are not made of the same stuff. We are emotional human beings who need the time and space to get away from it all. Unlike the stand-by light on our TV’s – we need to switch off.
Biblical Perspective
Proverbs 14:30 provides us with an interesting perspective;
A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; but envy (or over zealousness) is the rottenness of the bones. (ASV)
A Tranquil mind gives life to the flesh, but passion makes the bones rot. (RSV)
Considering that the book of Proverbs was written at a time when King Solomon’s Israel was flourishing both spiritually and economically, the message it conveys is an appropriate one: all the benefits modernity and progress bring can only be truly enjoyed if the heart and mind are equally contented.
The gospels too reveal how Jesus frequently withdrew from the crowds to pray and find solitude.
When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida (Luke 9:10 NIV)
It behoves us to take note that this was a regular practice by the Man who possessed the Spirit and anointing without measure. If He saw it fit to find time to rest and recuperate, what more you and me?
Pursuit of Rest
Our burdensome schedules mean that in order to get any quality rest, it must be scheduled. From my experience one has to deliberately allocate time for it and not allow other pressing matters to muscle their way in, no matter what!
In the creation account of Genesis, God on the seventh day conspicuously takes a day off to rest. I have wondered about this from childhood; could it be that He was genuinely tired? Far from it. He did this to show a certain order that man should follow, but what do we see happening today? The created showing the Creator that things can be done without rest and with calamitous results no less.
Of course I am not advocating slothfulness or living a goalless life, I am advocating that any sustainable productivity does is in fact need to include rest and relaxation. This is the only way that will work in the long run.
Why don’t you make a decision today to take some time off and rest? Give yourself a holiday! If you feel you’re too busy to do so, then you need it more than ever.
Mark some time in your diary, a few days is best, where you will commit to proper relaxation, no mobile phones or Facebook (!). You will be amazed at just how refreshed and motivated you will feel afterwards. I have found real inspiration and motivation in these quiet periods, and have returned to work so much more effective that my rate of productivity comfortably compensated for the time I took off.
Here are some helpful suggestions on how you can enjoy solitude, peace and tranquillity.
1. Pray for it
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savoir (1st Tim 2:1-3 NIV)
2. Make it your goal
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11 – 12 NIV)
3. Find appropriate company who’s activities do not stress you out
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared (Proverbs 22:24 NIV)
4. Go on regular breaks
I find that a short break every three months is extremely beneficial not only to my health but also to my perspective of life. Going away will enable you to refocus and channel your energy incisively and effectively toward your goals.
5. Engage in peaceful activities
Like walking along country paths, reading books you enjoy, listening to soothing music or just plain doing nothing!
