This month I have been thinking about something God once told me.
I was walking on the beach in Boca Grande, Florida. My absolute favorite place to be. Perhaps it is so precious to me because it is often years between my visits. Nevertheless, it remains my favorite place to visit.
It was early in the morning; I was alone on the beach. I could feel the warm sand between my toes. I heard the waves crashing softly around me. I saw the scuttering of the crabs. I was walking in the edges of the water, feeling the warm waters as the waves came in. It was perfect…and it was silent.
The only sounds I heard where the waves and the silence. In that silence God spoke to me. He asked me a question. “Do you know what the highest form of faith is?” He inquired.
I continued walking, I didn’t respond at all. I knew the answer was forthcoming.
He continued with, “rest.”
Rest is an important part of our spiritual life. It allows our minds, bodies, and souls to become renewed and strengthened.
Throughout the Word of God, we find scripture after scripture about rest. I want to share some of my favorites with you today.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
This verse teaches us to learn from Jesus. Do things the way He did them…gently and humbly and we will experience His rest.
My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
Wherever the presence of God is, there is rest. In His presence is fullness of joy, peace, total contentment…and rest.
In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Stand by the roads and look, ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
Finally, one I pray over myself and my family…
But now, the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. 1 Kings 5:4
God wants His children to be at rest. He wants us to experience rest on every side. His Word shows us the way.
God has promised a rest remains for us, the people of God. During this season, especially, many people struggle to enter into that rest…God’s rest. I pray this year is different for you. I pray you walk through this holiday season with praise on your lips and rest in your soul.
Today I am reminded of 1 Kings 5:4; God gives us rest on every side. That is my prayer for you today – that you enter into the rest of God, and He gives you rest on every side. Remember, living in the rest of God, is a high form of faith.
