One of the great teachings of Christianity is that we can rest in God. So many verses in the Bible give this assurance, and for us in this troubled, sin-filled world…some would even call it chaotic…this assurance is a blessing.
The familiar Psalm 23 says “He leads me beside the still waters. He refreshes my soul.” What a blessing that is when we face financial, physical, psychological, or spiritual challenges. In Matthew 29:6 we read: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
In Jesus, we can find the peace that passes understanding. Scripture teaches that we can be comforted in times of sorrow or difficulty. Who can forget the scriptural message in Handel’s Messiah? Even warfare will cease with Jesus’s promised arrival:
Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to
Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her
Iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness
Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for
Our God. (Isaiah 40:1-3)
The angels at Jesus’ birth declared: “Peace on earth, good will toward men!” and “Fear not! For I bring you tidings of great joy!” and “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Here is “My Psalm 310 Resting in God”
Dear Heavenly Father, Abba, Father
This day I rejoice that in all the clamor of life,
In all the distractions, in all the busyness,
I can rest in Your Presence.
With the Psalmist, I can attest to this truth:
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant;
Their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him
And He delivers him.” [1]
With Anna Laetitia Waring, whose hymn I love, I proclaim:
“My heart is resting, O my God, /I will give thanks and sing;
My heart is at the secret source /Of every precious thing.
I thirst for springs of heavenly life,
And here all day they rise;
I seek the treasure of Thy love,/ And close at hand it lies.
“I have a heritage of joy,/ That yet I must not see;
But the hand that bled to make it mine
Is keeping it for me.
And a new song is in my mouth,/ To long-loved music set;
‘Glory to Thee for all the grace/ I have not tasted yet.’
“My heart is resting, O my God,/ My heart is in Thy care;
I hear the voice of joy and health/Resounding everywhere.
‘Thou art my portion,’/Saith my soul,
Ten thousand voices say,
And the music of their glad Amen/Will never die away.”[2]
And so, while all the babble of talking heads
And the rancor on the news,
The politics, the threats of war
The ceaseless problems posed,
I have the assured blessing to know
You’re Sovereign, You’re in charge,
Tall hedges of protection
Stand ’round me and those I love.
So as the new day dawns,
And fresh challenges arise,
I rest in Him, my only joy,
And leave this world behind.
I concentrate on Kingdom things,
Your Word, Your Presence, Your comfort, my joy,
And look at creation with wonder and awe—l
Listen to bird songs, plant my gardens and
Watch the clouds go by,
Knowing my todays and tomorrows, both
Are guided by Your hand;
You will rule from heavenly places.
So I rest here in Your peace
Until the glorious day I enter Your heavenly realm,
Bow down at Your feet, and rise to praise
Your Name eternally. Amen.
[1] Psalm 34
[2] The Hymnbook John Ribble. 406
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