The Faith I Live By

Come Apart and Rest, August 15

A Strong Body Temple

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Mark 6:31. FLB 233.1

He [Jesus] did not urge upon His disciples the necessity of ceaseless toil.... “Come ye yourselves apart, ... and rest a while,” He says to those who are worn and weary. It is not wise to be always under the strain of work and excitement, ... for in this way personal piety is neglected, and the powers of mind and soul and body are overtaxed.^{66The Desire of Ages, 361, 362.} FLB 233.2

Care needs to be exercised in regard to the regulation of hours for sleeping and laboring. We must take periods of rest, periods of recreation, periods for contemplation.^{67The Adventist Home, 494.} FLB 233.3

There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both mind and body.... Recreation in the open air, the contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.^{68Testimonies for the Church 4:653.} FLB 233.4

It is for our health and happiness to go out of our houses, and spend as much of our time as possible in the open air.... We should invite our minds to be interested in all the glorious things God has provided for us with a liberal hand. And in reflecting upon these rich tokens of His love and care, we may forget infirmities, be cheerful, and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord.^{69The Review and Herald, July 25, 1871.} FLB 233.5

Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.... Nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.^{70The Ministry of Healing, 127.} FLB 233.6

He [Jesus] found recreation amidst the scenes of nature.... His hours of greatest happiness were found when He could turn aside from His labors to go into the fields, to meditate in the quiet valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest.^{71The Ministry of Healing, 52.} FLB 233.7

We may ... make our seasons of recreation what the name implies—seasons of true upbuilding for body and mind and soul.^{72Education, 211.} FLB 233.8