lent day 25

Its all for a reason,

The older I get the more I realise that God doesnt say things just for the sake of it.  Nor does He say things for His own benefit.  When He gives us instruction it's because its good for US.

So, for example, the recent craze for 5/2 dieting is based on the science and nutritional data which has discovered that fasting is good for us.  Who would have thought?!   A day of fasting a week reduces cholesterol, the threat of diabetes and cancer, lengthens life...... there are lots of benefits.  Not spiritual ones but physical ones.   God knows this.  Which is why He tells us to fast.  The added bonus of fasting being that we can focus the time we usually spend on eating, on Him  http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-fasting-that-will-surprise-you.html

I read recently that circumcision can dramatically lower the incidences of male cancer - especially in black men.  And that it is helpful in preventing sexually transmitted disease and urinary tract infections too.   So it's not just a weird thing God asked His people to do for no apparent reason - it is a practical way of promoting health and avoiding premature death.   Way before science worked this out God was ensuring His people were doing what was best for their bodies.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2860727/Benefits-circumcision-outweigh-risks-Procedure-cuts-risk-HIV-STDs-penile-cancer-official-report-declares.html

A day of rest - its crucial for our wellbeing.  Not just for our physical and psychological health but for our families and our relationships.   God knows that we need to stop, to sleep, to reflect and relax.  He knows that we tend to be ' human doings' instead of ' human beings' and that we will all run ourselves into early graves if we dont have specific instruction to stop.   So He tells us quite clearly in the ten commandments and elsewhere to do NO WORK on one day a week and set that day apart.   If you are like me and like most people I know you are rubbish at this.   But it's important.   God doesnt tell us to rest because He wants us to spend time with Him ( although of course He does) He tells us because it's GOOD for us to rest.   Good for our hearts, our stress levels and our mental health.  He is looking after us.  In all His commandments and rules.
https://www.floridahospital.com/blog/health-benefits-of-rest 

The more I discover the more I realise what good care God takes of His people.  We should never doubt it.  We should trust Him and do what we are told :-)