Stressed, so tired, so busy. Ever put the words, “I’m so,” in front of those words? It seems this is the norm today. It has been shown that a little stress is good for us, certainly being tired at the end of a good day’s work helps one sleep better, and being busy can be good to a certain extent. However, are many of us exceeding the good? Studies have shown the negative effects of too much stress and busyness on us.
I wonder if this is what’s behind things like road rage, gun violence, the vicious words used by our politicians toward one another, and some forms of mental illness. Recently, while listening to a radio program in which psychologist Dr. Matthew Stanford was being interviewed, he gave a staggering statistic for the expected rate of mental illness for our children’s generation. He said it is estimated that as much as 20 percent of our current population has mental illness of some sort. In a recent conversation with a local law enforcement officer I asked if he has noticed a change in our society. Without hesitation he said, “absolutely.” When I asked what kind of changes he has seen, and what was the most significant, he said mental illness was the biggest change and challenge. Where will all of this lead?
In conversation with another man the topic of stress came up and he said, “Our minds and bodies are not made for dealing with the kind of stress we see today.” Another author noted that what research is showing on the effects of technology on the brain, should cause us to limit its use, especially in children. The rapid movement, flashing videos and scrolling is training the brain to operate in seconds, quickly and shallowly. The brain’s ability to think long and deep is being lost. Where will all of this lead us?
It makes me think of the Sabbath. The Sabbath, one day of rest in seven, Friday night at sunset until Saturday at sunset, was commanded in the Old Testament Law for the Jewish people. It was to be a day to cease from working, rest physically and reflect on God. When they ignored it, things did not go well for the nation. The commandment to observe the Sabbath was not included in the New Testament. However, the concept of the Sabbath is actually seen before the Old Testament Law. God demonstrated it at creation, by Himself resting on the seventh day, and that became the basis for the commandment.
Even our way into God’s kingdom and presence is built on the concept of rest. Hebrews 4:9-10, says, “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” This “rest” is ceasing from striving to earn one’s own way to God. It is resting on the work of Christ on the cross to provide the forgiveness of sin and righteous standing needed. It is a union with Christ that is not earned by works, but received by faith.
Psalm 46:10, says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Maybe the Creator’s direction for one day of rest in seven is not so far off. Maybe we would be a healthier society if a “be still” day, or even part of one, were built into our weekly routine.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Dan Krahenbuhl is pastor of Monroe Bible Church.
