We’ve all known people who push themselves hard all day long until they fall into bed at night. Their lists and schedules make sure they use every minute to the fullest.
And though efficiency experts might be impressed by their productivity, it’s likely these ultra Type-A folks are harming themselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The truth is, “Renewal and restoration are not luxuries, they are essentials. Being alone and resting for a while is not selfish; it is Christlike.” Even Jesus took time away to be with his Father [1].
Also important to understand: Rest is an attitude of the heart amidst the responsibilities of the day. It’s not “some holy feeling that comes upon us in church. It is a state of calm rising from a heart deeply and firmly established in God” [2].
The restful life begins in trusting God, and he’s given us plenty of good reasons to do so:
OUR GOD PERFORMS RIGHTEOUS DEEDS AND MIGHTY ACTS (Psalm 71:16-18)
OUR GOD HELPS IN NUMEROUS WAYS (Psalm 27:9)
He supplies our needs, guides our decisions, strengthens our spirits, and more.
In addition, his power is at work to help us “understand his love, live a life worthy of our calling, bear fruit in every good work, endure with patience, live a life of thanksgiving, escape the corruption caused by evil desires and overflow with hope” [3].
In other words, he helps us experience the God-enhanced life that truly satisfies our souls.
OUR GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE (Psalm 3:8 CEV)
It’s not his way to protect us from all pain and trouble. Instead, he grants us stamina and strength of spirit to endure, growing us into maturity.
OUR GOD LAVISHES US WITH HIS LOVE (Psalm 86:13)
His compassionate care is expressed as “His wisdom is our direction, His knowledge, our instruction, His power, our protection, His justice, our surety, His love, our comfort, and His mercy, our solace. He holds back nothing from us” [4].
OUR GOD BESTOWS BLESSINGS, BENEFITS, AND GOODNESS (Psalm 103:1, 5)
OUR GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES (Psalm 145:13b)
But how can we be sure of that?
“The permanence of God’s character guarantees the fulfillment of his promises” [5].
OUR GOD ANSWERS WHEN WE CALL (Psalm 86:7)
To rest in spite of a “No” or “Wait” answer surely gives indication how well we trust.
These seven assurances of God’s influence in our lives certainly offer wonderful encouragement. But they won’t contribute to spiritual rest unless we “grasp them by faith, plead them by prayer, expect them by hope, and receive them by gratitude” [6].
* * * * * * * * * *
O Lord, I bow before you in wonder that you, the God of the universe, with your infinite power and glory, would provide all these blessings and benefits for me.
Thank you for your gracious benevolence. Help me to REST in these truths, knowing that you have everything under control and you will see me through until I’m home with you.
[1] Chuck Swindoll, The Quest for Character, 49; Luke 6:12.
[2] Henry Drummond, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reiman, ed., 232.
[3] Melissa Krueger, The Envy of Eve, 104.
[4] Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 141.
[5] A. W. Pink, http://www.gracequotes.org.
[6] Charles Spurgeon
Image credits: http://www.stackcake.com; http://www.canva.com (5).
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From the Inside Out 