This week, God reminded me of a day, several years ago, and a lesson He taught me that day. I was walking along the beach at Boca Grande, Florida. At the time, it was my absolute favorite beach, so secluded and peaceful. It may not be the same today, I haven’t visited in a long time.
That day, it was quite early, the sun was just beginning to rise. I found myself alone on the beach, with nothing but the sounds of nature. I could feel the warm sand between my toes. Even today, when I close my eyes, I can still hear 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. That still silence that we seldom enjoy.
The only sounds I heard were the waves, the birds, and the silence. In that deep silence God began to speak to my heart. He asked me a question. “Do you know what the highest form of faith is?” I continued walking slowly, I didn’t respond at all. I knew the answer was coming. I wasn’t disappointed. He quietly 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 in doing so, 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. While many of us do not experience this type of rest, there is hope. His Word shows us the way.
God has promised a rest remains for us, the people of God. Yet, many people struggle to enter that rest…God’s rest. I pray this year is different for you. I pray you walk through the year with praise on your lips and rest in your soul.
Today I want to remind you again of 1 Kings 5:4; God gives us rest on every side.
GOD GIVES US REST ON EVERY SIDE. God will give YOU rest on every side.
Let that truth get deep within your heart, mind, and soul today. Confess it over your life and the lives of your children.
My prayer for you today is that you enter into the rest of God, and that He gives you rest on every side. Remember, living in the rest of God, it is the highest form of faith.
