Mark 6 vs. 31 (NIV)
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
We live in a fast-paced world, years ago before internet and cable, and midnight tv stations would sign off so that even if you wanted to stay up there just wasn’t much to do except go to bed. For those who had difficulty sleeping, a glass of warm milk was drunk and shortly after that back to bed.
Now, we have 24-hour news feed, movies, along with a plethora of activities to indulge the restless mind. While many prides themselves on being able to function with very little sleep, there is a hidden price. While you may focus on the fact that your eyes are red and you are a bit sluggish, the toll it takes on your organs can be daunting.
- During rest, the spinal fluid pumps quicker to clear the brain of toxins so that you can begin your day with clarity of mind.
- During rest, your blood pressure lowers, and your heart begins to slow down to give your heart a much-needed rest.
- During rest, hormones are released into your bloodstream to rebuild muscles and joint.
- During rest, your breathing slows down to give your lungs a break.
- During rest, your stomach gets a much-needed break.
When you commit to making sure you get a good night’s sleep your body uses that time to clean up the toxins you have accumulated from the day and reset to begin the next day refreshed and renewed. Many of us do our body’s a great disservice by eating a large meal, or drinking alcohol, or engaging in some mentally fatiguing activity right before bed, thus committing our organs to work all night without ever getting a break. This lifestyle is not sustainable, after 36-48 hours without rest. We begin to break down mentally and physically, yet few have ever considered that our lifestyle may be placing this heavy burden on the organs, and thus we see the symptoms in digestive problems, depression and anxiety, heart problems, lung problems, and so much more. I challenge you to go to bed and get a good night’s sleep, and I am sure your body would love the 7-8-hour vacation.
