When was the last time you truly took the time to relax? With all of my health issues I am laid up quite frequently but this does not mean that I am really resting and I definitely do not feel relaxed. I may not be working physically but my mind is working over time. It acts more like Martha than Mary. All it does it looks at all the work that needs to be done. So as I am laid up my eyes focus on the things that need to be done around my home. I look at the clutter and the pile of bills and worry. Not very productive. About a month ago I came across an article on sleep. It talked about it is the quality of sleep the body needs and not the quantity. That a person could sleep eight hours or more and still feel exhausted because it was not truly rested.
I do a lot of breathing exercises for various health reasons yet if I don’t reign my thoughts in it does not help as much as it could. Worrying about anything produces nothing but anxiety and more things to worry about. All of this robs me of the rest and relaxation my body needs. God declared a command for a Sabbath rest. Who better than the Creator know what our body needs. He gave us six days to labor and the seventh for rest. In Psalm 23 He leads us to still waters and green pastures. We need to learn to relax, sit still, calm our minds, shut out the world and all of its’ problems and just relax and rest in the presence of our Lord. He gives us true peace. We will not find peace in the world. It is only found in Him. Relax and breathe Him in. Rest in Him. The bills and work will still be there to deal with but staying focused only on your problems and the demands others and yourself have placed on you will only drain you and leave you frustrated. Turning your focus to Him will calm your mind and give peace to your body. He loves you and care for all of your needs. So relax and know that even if things may look dark and troubled you will be okay. The Light will drive away the darkness and you will see more clearly.
God bless you with His infinite Peace and Love
Today’s exercise
Take a deep slow breath, hold it for 4-8 seconds and then breath out completely emptying your lungs. You may do this in a seated or laying down position. Repeat 8 times. While doing this focus your thoughts on the love God has for you and meditate on His Words of peace and rest. Let the tension in your body go as you let go of your worries and your stress. Repeating scriptures out loud until you find your body truly at peace.
emotionalpeace 