REST

Rest can be defined as a state of peace, contentment, serenity, refreshment, stillness, tranquility or calm. It is usually described as having four dimensions or aspects: physical, emotional, relational and spiritual. These 4 types of rest are actually interrelated. Our eventual experience of rest is a holistic one, integrating all these dimensions of rest as the shalom or peace of God that transcends all understanding (phil 4:7).

In the physical area, there are many people today who suffer from heart diseases, panic attacks, exhaustion, insomnia, high blood pressure, muscle tension and headaches . Our tired and worn-out bodies,, that result from the constant overload and hectic schedules of hurried and harried lifestyles, yearn for physical rest. While physical rest may not be the most important aspect of the rest we need, it is nonetheless an essential type of rest for us. Physical rest requires time for leisure and sleep(at least 7 to 8 hours a night!), including taking a Sabbath day off every week. It also involves regular exercise, good nutrition, and learning at least one good relaxation technique as part of effective stress management.

In the emotional area, many of us have a hard time coping with demands and stresses of our over-busy lives in today's high-speed technological world. We may experience emotional struggles such as anxiety, panic, fear, depression, confusion, and feeling overwhelmed or trapped. We long for emotional rest from our overstimulated and drained emotions; we yearn for peace, quiet contentment and serenity. Mental or intellectual rest is also part of emotional rest. Our emotions can relax when our minds are tranquil and at rest. Emotional rest is also deepened by spiritual rest.

In the relational or interpersonal area, we often experience stress and turmoil that come from difficult or broken relationships, unsolved conflicts, bitterness, misunderstanding, gossip and even betrayal and breach of trust. We long therefore for relational rest: for peace and harmony in our relationships with one another, whether in our homes, churches, schools, workplaces or the larger community and society in which we live. Such a relational rest is often found in caring and loving relationships with others. Deep friendships and fellowships with each other, founded on prayer, open sharing, forgiveness, support and accountability - spiritual community - will help us experience more relational rest and wholeness.

In the spirtual area, we may struggle with doubt, confusion, disappointment with God and co-workers in the ministry, guilt, emptiness, dryness and despair. We all long for spiritual rest deep wthin our souls. We want to experience the peace of God that transcends all understanding(Phil 4:7), that comes from praying with thanksgiving (Phil 4:6) and casting all our anxiety on him (1 Peter 5:7). True spiritual rest, or supernatural peace, comes ultimately from growing in our intimate relationship of love with Jesus Christ, our best friend (Matt 11:28-30).

- Written by Tan Siang Yang

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Well, we all are constantly weighed down by lots of work and commitments everywhere. Yet, we still need these 4 aspects to be fully recharged to be effective in the many areas/situations we are placed in daily. Therefore, after reading the article, u know yourself best dont u? So which aspect(s) need(s) to be recharged asap, do remember to get it done soon! Always set aside enough time to work, play and rest, we should try to lead a healthy lifestyle as much as we can, this so that we can serve the Lord in our best physical condition. { We need to have more games after cell on sat!, hehe}