Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

Spring–Summer 2011 | TORCH 17 Rest for the Soul The ancient Greeks connected the mind and the body, but the prophet Jeremiah wrote about a third dimension. “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Jer. 6:16). Just like the mind and body need quiet and rest to recover, so does the soul. Isaiah 30:15 points us to the source of soulful rest: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” It is interesting to note that both verses were directed to God’s people, and both verses tell us that the people refused the rest that He offered: “But you would have none of it” (Isa. 30:15). Choosing quiet over chaos, rest over rat race, is fundamentally a spiritual discipline. Psalm 1 directs us to seek godly counsel and immerse ourselves in God’s Word. In doing so, we will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (Ps. 1:3). Galatians 6:7 reminds us that God is not mocked; we will reap what we sow. From a psychological perspective, the encouraging news is that anything that can be learned can potentially be unlearned and modified. Our ways of thinking, doing, and being in the world do not have to be “conformed to the pattern of this world” (Rom. 12:2) but rather transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pursuing mental, physical, and spiritual rest is not only critical to our health but an act of submission to the Creator who made us, loves us, and knows exactly what we need. Dr. Milton Becknell chairs the department of psychology at Cedarville University. He received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi, and he is board certified in clinical health psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He has been at Cedarville since 2002. Rest easy knowing your future is secure. Our online wills planner is a helpful, step-by-step guide to planning your estate. Easy to use Saves time Clarifies your goals Secure and confidential Visit cedarville.edu/giftlegacy or call 1-800-766-1115 for assistance.