Importance of Rest- Emotional, Spiritual and Physical Rest

Hey girl, hey!

So lately, I’ve been extremely focused on rest! Honestly, being in a world that admires hustling to the point of no rest is glorified. I can admit that as a blogger my flesh and my spirit wrestles from time to time when it comes to rest. My flesh says “work hard, you’re exhausted, but work harder!” and my spirit says “God already says it’s done. Do your part and let God do the rest“. You know, it’s all about balance and knowing that you have a part to play, but God really controls the outcome. I’m learning that when I let the thoughts of other individuals occupy my mind more than God, I will always wrestle. Today I wanted to share the importance of rest, not only physical rest, but emotional and spiritual rest. All aspects are important being that we are emotional, spiritual and physical beings. God understands all parts, therefore we need to tend to all!

Emotional Rest

As humans, we are emotional beings. Emotions are what drives us, inform us and causes us to make decisions consiciously or unconsiously. They are indicators and God totally understands that part of us. Although we are not supposed to be led by our emotions as believers, God promises that he will carry the burden of what we are feeling (Matthew 11:28-30). I know it sounds cliche, but whatever I’m feeling may not be valid. Getting in His presence gives room to lay everything down to get clarity and emotional rest. Emotions are strong and sometimes they can lead us to be extremely down and unproductive. Tough emotions like bitterness, anxiousness, worry and fear can consume us which in turn can affect how we show up in the world. Remember to keep it real in your prayers, God hears you and understands your emotions.

Spiritual Rest

Everyday we are facing the reality of this world, but there’s also a spiritual reality if you believe in God. I wouldn’t call it toxic positivity because I believe in feeling what you feel, but there’s a peace that God gives when we lean on Him. It isn’t covering up problems with scriptures as spiritual bandaids. It’s leaning into the invisible reality and realizing that God is sovereign. It’s trusting, yielding and knowing that being led by the spirit is the way to get peace. It’s not easy because we usually are led by what we see, but isn’t God sovereign and all knowing? Ask God to be sensitive to His spirit. If you haven’t done a study on the holy spirit, I encourage you to do so. Spiritual rest isn’t fictional or unattainable. It’s very attainable.

Physical Rest

Physical rest allows us to show up daily within our calling, effectively. In Mark 6:31, we see the importance of rest for the disciples and Jesus himself. Rest is basically renewal for all parts of our body. If we get the physical rest, we are then able to walk in our calling with a fresh mind and healthy body. Although the world may say “nobody cares, work harder“, God wants you to be effective for his kingdom. That means, rest. It’s so important!