SOUL REST
Sleep is a very important part of our renewal process as human beings. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping. Having the right bed, the right pillow, the right sheets, and the right blankets are considerations, but having a good sleep system will enhance productivity for all the hours we are awake. Conversely, not sleeping well can present a myriad of problems not just physiologically but mentally and emotionally as well. Lack of proper sleep puts stress on our immune system, raises our risk of diabetes and heart disease (among other things), and can even cause depression.
If you travel at all, you understand that new surroundings and different time zones can affect the rhythms of sleep. It is not convenient or practical to bring your own pillow and bedding with you especially if you fly, but you can bring your own environment. In all of our travels, we have learned to adapt to different beds, pillows, and bedding as long as we have the right atmosphere.
Research has shown the effect of sound on the brain. White noise was just the beginning of the trend toward rhythmic sleep. Now there are many other sounds categorized as colors. We have used a mix of sounds. Brown noise was a staple in our home for years, but we recently discovered green noise. Amazing! The technology for better sleep is constantly improving.
We have learned that if we have the right sound, we can sleep almost anywhere. But if we don’t have our environment set right, it can really complicate things. I vividly remember a trip years ago when we forgot our sound machine. The place where we were staying didn’t have a constant fan feature, so everything was irregular. The room was nice and the bedding was fine, but the lack of the right sound was disrupting. Adding to this, the air was not fresh. An unpleasant smell from outside was seeping into the room. Needless to say, we didn’t have the best night. So first thing in the morning, I went out to find an air purifier.
I found a small one we could squeeze into our suitcase. It worked like a champ. Not only did it clean the air, the fan setting had three speeds. At night, we would turn it up to the highest setting, getting both the consistent fan sound and cleaner air. We rested so much better!
Now that little purifier is a permanent fixture in our bedroom. As soon as we turn it on, our brain says, “Time to sleep,” and the atmosphere is ideal for rest. Subconsciously, we know the air is better and all other sounds are blocked by the constant sound of that purifier and our sound machine. We create our own atmosphere for rest.
Knowing how important it is for your body to have the proper atmosphere for rest, how much more important is it to have the proper atmosphere for your soul to rest! Do you have a system for soul rest? If you need a little help creating the right system for rest, don’t worry, Jesus gave us the plan:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, NLT).
1. Trust Him with your burden.
Finding soul rest means trusting the environment you are in. This is easier said than done. The world suffers from anxiety, and disturbing stories dominate the news. Life is full of loss, grief, and disappointment. Many homes have discord and dysfunction. Workplaces can be very stressful. Add to this spiritual warfare and it is difficult to open your heart to anything or anyone. The sense of danger and being on guard can make soul rest very elusive. This is why we must come to Jesus and let Him change the atmosphere. He is the ultimate atmosphere purifier. We can trust Him. His presence makes all the difference! As soon as we feel His presence, we lay down all our burdens and start breathing better.
2. Get in the yoke with Jesus.
When you are in the yoke with Jesus, you are in agreement with Him. He provides both direction and strength. He is a humble and gentle teacher not demanding perfection but desiring us to simply keep getting better. Being with Him provides a certain sound—a consistent character you and I can totally embrace without fear. Accepting His role as our Master Teacher allows us to change our inner response to the outer pressures. His voice teaches us to open ourselves up to Him and get in the rhythm of His rest.
3. Embrace the light.
The burden He gives us is light. “Light” here first means not heavy. His yoke is easy, and the burden is not heavy. This is because of who Jesus is. Soul rest comes from being in alignment with all that is right, having deep purpose, and being fulfilled in meaningful work. His yoke is easy because we are in the flow, doing what we were made to do.
Light has an obvious second meaning as well. Light is the opposite of darkness. Light is revealing, transformative, and liberating. Living in light is different than living in darkness.
Men seek darkness when their deeds are evil (John 3:19). Hiding from truth becomes a habit for those who bear the heavy burden of guilt and shame. Stepping away from the embarrassment of our past and releasing the weariness that sin causes means embracing the light. “Burden” in this context means responsibility or assignment. Your burden is light. Deep, rejuvenating soul rest comes from living in the light of Jesus. No regrets and no shame. Just breathe deep and dream!
© 2025 Jason Sciscoe