I’ve been wondering why the Bible suggests so often that we rest. I thought the American work ethic wants us to be productive every living minute, to be accomplishing things: shopping, running, exercising, cleaning, redecorating, planning, interacting, serving, and all the other “-ings” we are advised to be doing every livelong minute.
Then Jeremiah asserts this message: “This is what the Lord says: ‘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.'” Psalm 62: 5-8 admonishes: “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
We don’t have to DO; we have to REST. We spend so much energy in concerns. “What if?” we ask. “I don’t see any way out of this situation,” we moan. “I know I can’t,” when we’re beset with worries.
But God says, “Rest!” In effect He says, “Let me handle this!” Why are we humans trying to play God and take over His provision for us?
I heard new words this morning. It was something to the effect of saying: “This is Your day, God! I am Yours! What will we do together in it?
We cannot rush ahead of what God wants, even for a minute. We remember “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) Sometimes, when we’re bewildered, upset, concerned, or frustrated, it’s time to Let Go and Let God. He will direct our every thought, our actions–or as I’m seeing today–our resting, so that he can intercept what we think is a call to action, and force us to be quiet and listen for His direction. We don’t know it all; only He does. When we leave everything in His control, the pathways will be straight. He promises. We will lie down beside still waters, and He will restore our souls.
One of my favorite solos from Mendelssohn’s Elijah is based on Psalm 37. May these words comfort us as we learn to rest:
“O rest in the Lord. Wait patiently for Him and He will give thee thy heart’s desires. Commit thy way unto Him, and trust in Him.
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