Resting is a great struggle for many people. They can go on vacation and be in the most incredible place but completely fail to rest. Some people live with an endless drive that dominates the times they should be completely worry-free and resting. Just because you are still physically doesn’t mean you are resting, and just because someone is working doesn’t mean they are not resting. When you are consumed with pleasing others you cannot rest, or when you are always trying to be first or best or noticed, you cannot rest. Even many Christians cannot trust God that Jesus did enough on the cross to allow them to rest, so they worry if they have done enough.
The news of a deadly virus spreading across the land will steal your rest. Resting is the spiritual exercise of trusting that God has everything in control and the belief that your life is in His hands. And that means it is possible for you to rest even in the midst of a pandemic with the coronavirus. You can rest in God because of who He is and what He has done and how He feels about you!
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” Psalms 37:7
God is the maker of heaven and earth and He sees everything that comes against you and every single thing that blocks your ability to rest. Because nothing more can be done to secure an eternal relationship with God outside of the finished redeeming work of Christ on the cross, you should be able to rest. Jesus has already done everything needed for our relationship with God. All we have to do is believe that and trust Him. You cannot rest in someone you don’t trust, but you can trust in God. Trust equals rest! God’s love for you is constant, steady, and everlasting so you can rest.
“The LORD has appeared of old to me, [saying:] “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3
Only when you trust in God completely will you be able to rest in Him sufficiently. Tell Him you trust Him and release those things that are out of your control to Him. Rest in Him!
Good word.