Rest. Start Tomorrow’s Fight Today: Go to bed

Man needing rest

A few nights ago I decided to put my mind, body and emotions to the limit. I decided to watch the double overtime game (that lasted until midnight pacific time) of the Oregon Ducks against California. I just knew that if I didn’t see the end of that game, I would have regretted sleeping, waking up rested and being alert, emotionally stable and present for my wife and four children (insert sarcastic voice here).

Instead I under slept, woke up groggy, was instantly “on edge” from the moment I started my day, and all for what? To watch the Ducks lose another one in heartbreak fashion! I sold out at least 24 hours of being able to function at a high level for having my heart broken by my Oregon Ducks yet again. Ironically, Oregon’s slogan is “Win the Day”, and due to my inability to have self-control and discipline, I was “losing the day”. I re-learned a valuable lesson last week; “Start Tomorrow’s Battle’s tonight”.

Understanding the Theology of Sleep

You don’t have to get far into the Biblical account of creation to see that God Himself rests (on the seventh day He takes a break), and all through the Old Testament stories, God is constantly reminding his people; “Take a break” (they called it “The Sabbath”). Have you ever wondered why God wants people to take a break? Here are three great reasons to slow down, shut off your phone and get some rest this week as you seek to battle your addictions and difficulties:

#1- Rest reminds us that WE ARE NOT GOD!

Rest is designed “by God” to show us we are NOT GOD! If we were limitless in our ability to produce, relate, engage with others, etc that we would be without any limitations and therefore wouldn’t need God. Rest reminds us “I am not God”.

#2- Rest produces TRUST

When we rest we decide that we are done “ceaselessly striving” for the day and acknowledge in the quietness of our own hearts that we must trust God to live our life in way that produces love, health and joy for ourselves and those we love.

#3- Rest positions us to WIN tomorrow’s battles

When we choose rest (specifically sleep) we are “plugging back in” so tomorrow we have the resources to “give back out”. When we try to fight the battles of life, let alone the battles of addiction, without healthy rhythms of rest we essentially deny our humanity and slowly become “subhuman” in that we become robots producing results but have very little signs or real life.

Man in grass for restSo What?

If you’re seriously wanting to pursue health and a life free from the pain and casualties of addictions maybe your next small step is a relatively simple one…turn off the device you’re reading this on, shut off your lights and head to bed, tomorrow is coming and you’ll need all cylinders fighting to “WIN THE DAY”

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

How do you think lack of rest has negatively affected your recovery journey?


Pastor Ryan Moffet family photoAbout the Author:

Ryan Moffat is the teaching pastor at Vast Church in Sisters, OR and is currently working on his Masters in Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, OR

Ryan received his BS in Bible and Theology and a minor in counseling from Multnomah University. He has pastored students, families and is passionate about Christ-centered recovery and healing. He’s been married to his beautiful wife Michelle for 13 years and they enjoy raising four crazy, unique and special kids together.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 18, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com

About Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC

Jacquelyn Ekern founded Addiction Hope in January, 2013, after experiencing years of inquiries for addiction help by visitors to our well regarded sister site, Eating Disorder Hope. Many of the eating disorder sufferers that contact Eating Disorder Hope also had a co-occurring issue of addiction to alcohol, drugs, and process addictions.