Today’s Word: REST

Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China. His story is told in this short video. The story tells of how he depended on Jesus through a horrible time of persecution in the late 1800s. I first heard this song at a precious friend’s mother’s graveside. It was sung by her granddaughter. This hymn moved me so profoundly that I found the song and this video. It is so appropriate for today as we watch and grieve over our fellow brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who may be martyred as I write this. I pray for them to have courage and strength and that the evil forces behind this be removed.

Jesus, I am resting, resting

Maybe you will listen to the story and meditate on the words.

Today’s word: REST

Only In repentance and rest are your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15 NIV

Today, Doctors tell us it’s so important that our bodies rest/sleep 7-8 hours each 24-hour time. It is during the time we are sleeping/resting that our bodies rejuvenate and heal the stress of the day. Rest in part of taking care of these earthly tents we wear down here. It is part of the rhythm of life. 

But there is another rest; It is a rest in the Lord. As followers of Jesus, we rest on the promises of God.

Resting in the Chaos

Consider these scriptures:  Matthew 11:28-30 “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Old Testament Rest

We also find some in the Old Testament, Exodus 33:14, 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

In Genesis 2:2-3, even “ By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;

Sabbath Rest A Special Rest

Finally, Hebrews 4:9-10 tells us, 9 So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. 10 For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.

“This special rest the Lord refers to is a spiritual rest from confusion, worry, stress, useless human effort, and a break from all the internal and external, mortal and spiritual enemies.” https://www.gotquestions.org/rest-in-the-Lord.html

REST demonstrates where we place our trust for provision, identity, purpose, and importance.

Rest, God is in control even in the chaos. Pray

Take time this week to Slow down! It’s important to our physical life but it is essential in our spiritual life. In the quietness, remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering.

Freda Reynolds

Battling Through Each Day