Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

16 TORCH | Spring–Summer 2011 GDIASIMAGING | ISTOCKPHOTO minds. We are, in effect, acknowledging that He, in His sovereignty, is orchestrating events, and my responsibility is to have a submissive, grateful spirit (1 Thess. 5:18). Even if one’s reality is difficult, it is possible to train the mind to recognize truth in life without becoming preoccupied with it. Learning to accept an unpleasant aspect of one’s reality is healthier than obsessing about it and becoming captive to its power. Paul demonstrated this well in Romans 7, where he acknowledged his own depravity but ended the chapter with resounding optimism as he noted our redemption in Christ. This is an aspect of what it means to quiet the mind and find rest from the clamor of scripts the mind is constantly rehearsing — like the 36 things you should be doing right now and the 12 places you need to be. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that our thoughts are very important, but we are, of course, more than just our thoughts. Our thoughts can range from the ridiculous to the sublime, but if our thoughts are anxious and unfocused, we are apt to be anxious and unfocused. Philippians 4:6–8 urges us to dwell or think on “excellent things.” Rest for the Body Likewise we are to be good stewards of our bodies. In Romans 12:1 Paul exhorts us to “present our bodies … holy and acceptable.” This has particular relevance in modern society where 65 percent of the population is overweight and 30 percent is obese. This is clearly not acceptable and is literally propelling us toward an epidemic of obesity-related problems such as heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and in many cases premature death. Similarly, the number of people suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders continues to escalate, robbing people of their quality of life. Many of these physical and emotional conditions could be significantly reduced if we would simply learn how to relax. Our autonomic nervous system is designed to cue our bodies for two distinct responses. The sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight or flight” emergency response, invokes a cascade of physiological processes that prepare us to deal with a threat, real or imagined. Instantly, the heart begins beating faster, blood pressure increases, muscle tension escalates, and breathing becomes more rapid and shallow. In short, the body is on heightened alert. However, what took seconds to launch can take hours to recover from. Our modern culture urges us to respond to everything quickly, as if each new stimulus is a major crisis. When sustained, this wreaks havoc on our bodies and ultimately can lead to heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, weakened immune systems, and premature aging/death. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system restores the body and facilitates recovery. This system promotes healing so we can do battle another day. The body was not created to live in a sustained crisis mode, and when we do, sooner or later breakdown becomes imminent. It is good stewardship to train the mind and body to distinguish between an actual crisis and a pseudo-crisis. Psalm 46:10 admonishes us to “cease [unproductive] striving” and learn to “be still.” Take time to rest and be quiet. This is a learned skill, and it is essential for physical healing and recovery.