Rest

Jesus rested peacefully as the disciples cried out in panic in the midst of the storm.  He likewise tells us and enables us to rest in the midst of our storms.  

In the midst of life's ups and downs, one consistent word from God is this: rest in Him.  Jesus gave a beautiful illustration in John 15 of how to bear fruit, simply by abiding in the vine.  Hebrews 4:1 speaks of a promise that remains of entering His rest, and a few verses later the exhortation to "strive to enter that rest."  The next verse, Hebrews 4:12, gives us the key: the Word of God is living and powerful.

The children of Israel, through unbelief and disobedience, earned the wrath of God that declared, "They shall not enter My rest."  The explanation states that the Word was not mixed with faith.  Their example is given so we do not make the same mistake, but rather consider and observe God's truth.  

On the seventh day God rested from all His works.  When asked about the work of God, Jesus answered "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent." (John 6:29)  The reason is simple, Jesus came to do all that was required to bring man back to God, and with that final, "It is finished," the work is already done.   Now the challenge is to be still and know that He is God and rest in the mercy and goodness that His promises declare.  Psalm 132 gives further insight about God's resting place where He abundantly blesses provision, satisfies the poor with bread, clothes priests with salvation and saints shout aloud for joy.  

God wants His children to rest in Him and His accomplished work.  In times of struggle, remembering Jehovah Jireh, "my needs are met according to His riches," gives rest.  In times of physical challenge, we are called to declare by His stripes we were healed and to rest in this truth.  Those who seek the Lord will lack "No good thing."  Faith pleases God and He takes pleasure in any choice we make to stand in the power of His Word rather than live in anxiety, fear, and defeat.  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  

Therefore, God's Word to you is whatever your challenge, Jesus has already accomplished what is needed, and you can rest in Him.  Instead of worry, give thanks that it is done.  As Philippians 4:6 states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

Be still and know He is God.  As we look into His face and His everlasting love for each one of us, we choose to rest in His abundant goodness and enter into His peaceful rest.