REST - SPIRITUAL MEETS NATURAL REALM

True Rest has Spiritual and
​Natural Realm Connections

Rest in GOD

GOD Rest is the profound peace received to those that love and obey Him regardless of circumstances. We can look at two viewpoints of GOD’s Rest.  The first comes from Genesis 2: 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.   After listening to sermons and doing research, this Rest reminded me of wanting to play with my make-believe live city.   I first had to set up everything in my Lego city.  I had to create a landscape. I add trees, houses, cars, and people to the design. I had to put everything in its place until I felt satisfied with the creation.  In other words, once finished, I “rested” from creating the foundation.  It was then I began to play within the city.  

The other viewpoint of GOD’s Rest is the peace we receive when we obey, trust and love GOD. It states Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. After doing research, I understand that this Rest must be associated with our beliefs.  Where we put our trust. This trust allows us to move out of the place of trying in our own ability and knowing GOD has all the ability.

Seven Types of Rest

Physical rest can be passive or active. Passive is actual sleeping or napping.  Active may be stretching and massage therapy that help improve the body’s circulation and flexibility.

Mental rest taking short mental breaks throughout the day.  This could be breathing exercises or doing something that does not tax your mind such as listen to soothing music. Keeping a journal

Sensory rest is assisting mainly the five sensory of smell, touch, sight, hear, and taste from being overwhelmed.  It helps to close the eyes ever so often, or intentionally unplug from electronics.

Creative rest is needed when you run out of ideas or have blockage in creativity. Solution to the forms of blockage it to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature, visit other creative spots around your world.

Social rest is finding balance between those relationships that are draining to relationships that nourish and are inspirational.  Learning to say no, changing hangout spots, even creating smaller circles of relationships.

Emotional rest comes down to setting healthy boundaries.  These boundaries are set to help from being in a place of negativity or being on emotional rollercoasters.  Begin to address/process difficult emotions, reduce people pleasing,
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Spiritual rest provides us the ability to connect to beyond the physical and mental world, allowing us to have a sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose. As Christians, we can connect deeper with GOD by studying His Word for revelation, spend more time developing a relationship with GOD, praying with substance.

Intertwining the Two

After much studying, I understand the importance of marrying the two kinds of Rest: GOD’s Rest and the Seven types of Rest. It is necessary to have both almost impossible having one without the other.  You must reach a balance in the Seven types of Rest to hear GOD/ Holy Spirit clearly & correctly when you are being spoken to or directed. Understanding GOD’s Rest enables you to lessen the burden totally on your abilities. It causes you to realize the one who created you has greater insight, strength, and ability to get the job done.

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Benefits

​When we intertwine the Seven Types of Rest with GOD’s Rest, this energizes our capacity in which lack becomes minimal.    Intertwining fosters a better, healthier, and more stable individual. When we become balanced, it is easier to grasp downloads by the spiritual realm. The benefit of having the Seven Types of Rest balanced enables us to attain GOD’s Rest, obtaining the long sort after peace.   GOD desires that we rest in Him.  When we gain stability in the Seven Types of Rest, we can reach the position and the level GOD has for us.  The Seven Types of Rest and GOD’s Rest minimize the stresses, obstacles, and frustration that we tend to face daily.

Negative Impact on our Growth​

When there is inconsistency in Seven Types of Rest, it can cause discontentment in GOD’s Rest.  Fragmentation in the Seven Types of Rest will cause confusion and disheartenment in the GOD’s Rest.   In the NIV, it notes in Hebrews 4:11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Disobedience will not obtain GOD’s Rest.    Not having balance in the Seven Types of Rest in accordance with GOD's intent will make us disobedient.

How to Enter into Rest

Physical rest is the one we most focus on probably because it associates being tired with getting more sleep.  We may need physical rest when our bodies indicate ache or soreness.   Though sleep is good, massage or even take a soak in a warm bath.  When our bodies are more physically well and conscious it allows the body to be under subjection to the spirit and soul. Physical rest minimize the body screaming for attention.
Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.
GOD’s Rest for Physical rest is when we don’t permit our bodies to be exhausted or overwhelmed. It enables us to bring the body under submission to the will of GOD.

Mental rest is necessary to bring stress and worry down to a minimal.  It allows to elevate the brain from overworking.  It is good to take breaks of at least 20 minutes every 2 hours in the work day.  Journaling to dump information on paper instead of trying to create compartments in the mind to store data. 
Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
GOD’s Rest for Mental rest is the ability to take captive of imagination or thinking that brings chaos and confusion.
 
Sensory rest main objective is to limit the use or takes breaks from technology.  Try doing a technology detox from time to time.  Step out into nature, use eye mask when snoozing, find some quiet time and space.
Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.
GOD’s Rest for the Sensory rest allows for greater discernment permitting interaction of the spiritual world become keener.

Creative rest takes us from a placing of doing to just thinking, observing, and journaling. We can get to this state by taking walks, being outdoors, or visiting place that demonstrates creativity. However keep in mind creativity rest should not overwork the mind. 
Exodus 35:31-32 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,
GOD’s Rest for Creative rest gives way for us to be more like Him, creative.

Social rest can include “me time”, it can also include taking time from work to develop relationships.  To achieve rest from work, concentrate on the time spent with friends, don’t be distracted by electronic gadgets.  On the other hand, if you find yourself being a extreme social butterfly, you might find it is necessary for you to say no and limit being a people pleaser in order to obtain social rest.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
GOD’s Rest for Social Rest takes the “me time” and lets GOD to download more of who He intended us to be.

Emotional rest is working on self-awareness, setting boundaries, explore and process the challenges of present and past.   To achieve this trying saying to no to things you don’t want, allowing yourself to let go of negative feelings, allowing others to be who they truly are. 
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
GOD’s Rest for Emotional rest gives our heart a better alignment with the things of GOD.
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Spiritual rest helps us to connect to our purpose, our creator (GOD) and belonging. Meditating on the Word of GOD, volunteer for a cause that you are passionate about. Join a group in which share common spiritual interest.
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
GOD’s Rest for Spiritual rest facilitates our spirit becoming one with Holy Spirit, decreasing the fight between the two.

Conclusion

I have laid out how the Seven Types of Rest play major into GOD’s Rest.  What this ultimately does is allow for transformation to take place in us, because we are more aligned to the things of GOD.  Each aspect of the Seven Types of Rest and GOD rest are important and should not be disregarded according to the standard of the world.  When we can achieve balance in the areas of the Seven Types of Rest, we begin to truly receive GOD, love, peace, and joy. 

James 1:2 -3 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
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The above scripture begins to give deeper revelation and becomes doable in life. 

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