God Commands Rest

God Commands Rest

They must realize that the Sabbath is the LORD’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day. Exodus 16:29

Karen and I often visited my parents when they lived in Alabama. Dad occasionally wanted my help with a small project or two, but most of our visits were spent sitting, talking, and eating. Our favorite afternoon activity—napping—usually followed a big Southern meal.

One steamy Sunday, we were relaxing in the front room, and the TV was on. I don’t remember the show, but it might have been Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

The screen filled with lions roaming the hot plains of Africa. While the narrator described the pride and how they lived in the stifling heat, we were enjoying the modern convenience of air conditioning. Dad seemed to be enjoying it the most, occasionally snoring to let us know he was still breathing.

As the program continued, the narrator explained that one way the lions dealt with the heat was by sleeping twenty hours a day. Just then, my father, the king of our pride, roused just enough to mumble, “Well, I must be related to the lions.” Then, just as quickly, he slipped back into slumberland.

Every good thing comes from God—even naps. If our Lord, the lion of the tribe of Judah, commands us to rest, I believe, for our good health, we should.

TODAY’S RX

Don’t feel guilty when you need sleep. God commands us to rest. You don’t have to belong to a pride to be proud of taking a nap.

Father, help me to lay down the demands of the day and seek proper rest. I realize I cannot do the work you call me to when weariness fogs my vision. Thank you for giving me the gift of sleep.