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  • Jonathan Runyan

When Rest Disappears


Dear Rock Creek Family,

My family and I will be away in Utah until Oct. 1st. We're really looking forward to the rest and relaxation during this time, but will of course naturally miss seeing you guys. This causes me to think of something my generation hasn't yet figured out: how to rest. The incessant notifications, the constant news feeds of controversial and tragic events and the unhealthy digital coping methods we use, all create an always on but never resting state of mind.

But many habits create an overactive mind, and they all feed off of one another.

Know that you're not the only one.

Many people tell me they can't rest, the light's been on for too long. In fact it's the most common topic of discussion among my friends and acquaintances. But it's not enough to identify the symptom, we must identify the cause.

There are a) spiritual and b) physical causes to rest deprivation.

Spiritual

Worry.

Bitterness.

Anger.

Jealousy.

Doubt.

Physical

Overworked.

Long hours.

6 or less hrs of sleep a night.

No exercise.

Screen time late in the evening.

Spiritual Solutions

1Pe 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

All cares can be given. Every single one. Especially the worst ones. Take this verse with you everywhere you go. Recite it when doubt or anger surfaces and retrain your mind. Believe, right now, that Christ has power over your thought life:

Phl 4:6-7 ESV ...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Physical Solutions

Apart from injuries above your control, take the list above, and flip it.

Work Less

Schedule Less Hours

Go to bed 1-2 hrs earlier

Exercise

Put The Phone Away (or use night filters)

Deeper Solutions

This is surface level. Many problems are deeper and more complex than what's covered above. Rock Creek has a counseling program and scholarships available to those who need them.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Runyan

 

Resources

Re-Set: a Grace Paced Life in a Burnout Culture

Refresh: Embracing a Grace Paced life in a World of Endless Demands

A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss


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