Rest Assured
“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” -Matthew 8:24
Rest is one of those things I’ve taken for granted as child but have come to cherish as an adult. I don’t know about you, but I love me some good relaxation time. Whether it be in the form of sleep, or simply resting my body by reading -ideally on someone’s beach. In whatever form, rest is a precious gift from God. Scripture records how even He, the Creator of the heavens & earth, rested on the seventh day and initially called us to do the same; refraining from work and directing our affections to Him. That is until rest came in the form of a Person and that is Christ Jesus. Jackie Hill Perry said it like this: “Sabbath rest is no longer restricted to a day but experienced in a Person.”
Prior to Jesus stepping on the scene, our salvation was earned through our good works, keeping every command of the law and having our sins removed by sacrificing animals. Now, because we are under the New Testament, which is another term for new covenant; we are saved by grace -unearned favor. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. And as far as the law is concerned, He didn’t come to destroy it but He did come to fulfill it in Himself (Matt 5:17).
Whew, aren’t you glad we weren’t around during the time of animal sacrificing every time a sin was committed? There would be no such thing as pets, that’s for sure! I am especially glad that we get to rest in God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. That now instead of being burdened by perfection, we are flooded by grace and overtaken by mercy. We get to cease from striving in our own efforts and instead surrender our hearts, allowing God to do the inner work. We fall, but we get back up surrendering seeking God’s help even more.
While this is our reality as a child of God, why does it seem like most of us still choose guilt, shame and condemnation over the free gift of grace, mercy and forgiveness? We find ourselves guilty for resting as if we’re the ones who holds the world together in the first place. When we fall short, we make outward attempts to please God instead of simply approaching His throne of grace to receive help and mercy (Hebrews 4:16). Did we forget that God is not like man? His love is without conditions and His mercy & compassion toward us are everlasting (Lamentations 3:22-23). Have we become so familiar with the ways of the world that the ways of God seem too good to be true? Maybe we’ve become too dependent on our own ways and resources.
But to live like this is to reject God’s marvelous grace. To attempt at controlling our outcome rather than asking Him what His will is, suggests we know better than the all-knowing God. Today is a reminder to relinquish control to the One Who is in control. Not because He’s an overbearing Father but because He cares. He desires to be an active part of our lives so that He can help us achieve victory in every area of our lives. We can’t please Him apart from Him anyway. He wants us to possess the heart posture of rest. Not in a sense of being lazy. Rather one that reflects our trust in Him. In a world that promotes hustling and bustling, God allows the children of God to sit at the feet of God and yet still be provided for. Jesus gave us a clear picture of this in Matthew 8:23-27. While He and His disciples encountered a chaotic storm on a boat; Jesus fell asleep. Let’s read it!
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
I love that Jesus trusted our Heavenly Father so much that in the midst of chaos, He rested. Not just any rest but sleep! I imagine it was probably some good sleep too. The disciples, the very people who had walked with Jesus, witnessed His power & miracles and even played a part in some of His wonders were frantic. They assumed their outcome based off of what was going on around them instead of remembering Who was with them. They forgot that because Jesus was the Son of God, nothing was too hard for Him. He rebuked the chaos and calmness immediately followed. What’s more is that we who are in Christ have that same power. He tells us in His word that when He ascends to heaven we would do grater works than He did if we believe in Him. Like the disciples, He is also with us! And yet, we are found doing everything but resting, like the disciples.. Because of their “little faith.” And we know “Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).”
Sis, may we be women who don’t have to see in order to believe. May we stand on what we know from God’s word because even as the earth fades away, the word doesn’t. May we stand on our own experience of God and how He’s come through before. When chaos comes our way, let’s pray about it and chill on God’s word. When our body is tired -whether we’ve worked hard that day or not, may we remember we do not have to earn rest; it’s a gift. It’s also a weapon. We cannot hear God as clearly if we are not rested. Nor can we operate as our best selves without it. And let’s not forget, rest is a form of worship. It is relinquishing control and surrendering it to our All-Mighty God, knowing that nothing is too hard for Him. It exalts Him above our situation. Yes, I admit it is sometimes easier said than done but let’s attempt today, to strive less and trust more.
You can do like Jesus did and take a nap for your weary body. You can relax by listening to worship music, calming your mind. You can go on a self-care date, while listening to a Christ centered podcast. Or simply think on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Whatever rest looks like for you, let’s commit to doing it for our own good and God’s glory! As you do, I pray you find strength & refreshing, in Jesus’s name!
Let’s Pray:
Gracious God, thank You for the free gift of grace! Thank You that because of Your grace we are saved and we have the privilege of rest. Forgive us for the times we have strived in our own strength instead of asking for Your help. Help us to do better with relying on You. May our trust in You be so great that we can rest our mind, soul and body in the midst of chaos. Calm every anxious thought, Lord. Release us from every stronghold in our minds. Let doubt, fear and unbelief cease. Rescue us from wallowing in guilt, shame and condemnation. The blood of Jesus has covered our mistakes, now we can rest in You. How beautiful Your grace is, Jesus. Holy Spirit, lead us to a place of rest when we need it and let us find strength, wisdom, refreshing and peace. May it be our worship to You and our weapon against the enemy! In Jesus’s name, amen.
