Computers are really memory machines. They sort, process, and retrieve information very efficiently and rapidly. They are so good at this that they have become indispensible in our modern technological society. Any glitch in the computer network would disrupt communication and the dispensing of vital information. Computers are so fast that they are used to process complicated scientific data and mathematical computations that would be humanly impossible. The flight of guided missiles, and the intricate and precise flight of a space probe are almost completely under computer control.
The central memory unit consists of a permanently installed CD disc called the hard drive, as distinguished from the CD disc drive. This hard drive stores all the memory of data in what are called files. These files are like electronic boxes, and they all have names. There is the email mailbag, the sent file, the delete file, the document file, the address book file, etc. When information is entered, it is routed to the proper file according to the instructions given. These data are ordinarily stored chronologically in the order received unless there are special arrangements such as alphabetizing. This results in a rather random recording and fragmentation of data that may result in a lot of wasted space, and limit the amount of storage available. It could also increase the retrieval response time. In order to correct this from becoming a problem, it is necessary to do what we call a "defragmentation." By pressing a button it is possible to bring all relevant material together with no wasted space between.
The human brain has been likened to a super computer, and in many ways they are similar. Brains store, sort, process, and retrieve information. In our busy lives this information is sometimes overwhelming in volume, and the storage process is overloaded. Much of the information is stored in a fragmented fashion that makes retrieval difficult. So how do we handle this fragmentation? There is no button we can push to defragment. Defragmentation occurs during sleep; this is when the brain sorts things out. We are told that dreams play an important part in this process by releasing emotional stress. Sleep also plays an important role in cell regeneration.
The Creator has recognized the importance of rest by making it a part of the Decalogue, on a par with the prohibition of murder, adultery, lying, and stealing. He gave a positive command to rest on the Sabbath day as He did (Heb. 4:9-11). God knows that rest is essential for spiritual resorting, renewal, and regeneration. How important it is for our spiritual health to follow God's example and have a Sabbath of "spiritual defragmentation."
