Blue Light Special

 

We live in a world of busyness. There’s always something to do, some place to go or someone to meet. The weekends seem shorter because of all the running around that has to be done. It’s no wonder rest is illusive in our day in age.

 

???????????????????????????????There may be another culprit to this lack of rest. It’s called blue light. If you haven’t heard, our electronics emit this blue light and it actually suppresses the production of melatonin.

 

“Research has demonstrated that nighttime light exposure suppresses the production of melatonin, the major hormone secreted by the pineal gland that controls sleep and wake cycles.”[i]

 

So when you check your email, or read what all of your friends are doing on Facebook, or play that impossible level on CandyCrush over and over again, or even watch your favorite television program before going to bed, you are at risk of not getting a good night sleep and the rest you need.

 

Rest is important. If it weren’t, God wouldn’t have rested on the seventh day of creation and He certainly would not have told us to use the Sabbath as our own day of rest. So where can we find rest in this restless world? Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

 

Psalm 37:7 (NIV) tells us to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” We need to rest before the Lord. We need to be still before Him. In His presence, rest will be found.

 

As we walk where the “good way” is, we will also find rest. Jeremiah quoted God on this one. “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…” (Jeremiah 6:16 – NIV) Rest for our souls. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? When restlessness has us in turmoil, let’s ask where the good way is and then walk it. God’s way will always be the best way.

 

Perhaps you feel as if you’ve been wronged today. This injustice is causing the inability to rest. Rest assured, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relieve to you who are troubled…” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 – NIV) Although it may seem difficult or impossible, find rest in our God who is just. He will take care of what troubles you.

 

And finally, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to just do it. Just get the rest we need. Why? Because God commanded us to do so and our simple obedience will bring rest. “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11 – NIV)

 

Unfortunately, blue light and its melatonin stopping power can also cause other issues. Studies suggest that there could be an increase in the risk of cancer, it can impair the immune system, and can also lead to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and obesity. I don’t know about you, but these are health issues that I would rather stay away from.

 

I’ve given you some valuable tips from God’s Word, but how about a few for this blue light problem? If you struggle with blue light trouble, perhaps one of these solutions will help.

 

  • Avoid looking at bright screens 2-3 hours before bedtime
  • Use dim red lights for night lights
  • Wear blue-blocking glasses (amber)
  • Expose yourself to lots of natural day light[ii]
  • Use amber tones on electronic devices

 

Instead of the blue light, let’s focus on the True Light. The Light of our world is Jesus. I know for certain, there is blessed rest in Him.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How artificial light is wrecking your sleep, and what to do about it by Chris Kresser.

[ii] Blue light has a dark side by Harvard Medical School.

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One Response to “Blue Light Special”

  1. Fitoru keto says:

    Nice blog! I so enjoy reading articles like this one. Keep it up and looking forward on your future posts!

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