When life gets a tad bit too overwhelming or so much is going on around you, where do you go to find some peace and quiet? Where do you go to rest? My guess is that you go somewhere serene, peaceful, and to an extent, secure. Scripture helps us understand that God is our resting place (Psa. 62:1-2). He is that serene, peaceful, and highly secure place we can go to for a much-needed escape from the burdens of life.
The purpose of a resting place isn’t to stop the activity or busyness around you, but to provide a refuge where you can step away and catch a break when it becomes overwhelming. How comforting is that! When you’re in a resting place—like your bed, for example—you have the opportunity to reflect on yourself, your plans, and your strategies. More importantly, your strength is renewed.
The beauty of rest is the rejuvenation it gives. I remember the day my friend went to the market and spent hours shopping. She came back with sore legs and could barely stand for five minutes at a time. But after a well-deserved sleep, she woke up feeling energized, strong enough to go mountain-hiking (okay that’s an exaggeration, but you get the point). There is rejuvenation and refreshing in a resting place.
Apart from Job, and possibly Joseph, I am not sure any other person in the Bible lived a life as troubled as the one David lived. Yet, research says that the phrase ”rest in the Lord” is used most often in the book of Psalms; a book mostly written by David. He had cracked the code.
In Psalm 23:3, the psalmist says, ‘He refreshes my soul.’ Life can be overwhelming, and in those moments, we may feel like giving up—just as Elijah once did (1 Kin. 19:4). But after receiving a nourishing meal, he realized that life wasn’t so bad after all. In the same way, God refreshes our souls. That deep, persistent weariness—the kind that isn’t just physical but comes from a place deep within—can only be relieved by His renewal. He is the resting place for weary souls.
Jesus speaks on this matter in Matthew 11:28-30 ESV. He says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
He assures rest for weary souls. Whether your burden comes from life’s struggles or religious pressure, He assures that in Him, you will find rest. You will get that escape you’ve been longing for. With Him, you will find ease.
Apart from rest from worldly issues, He is our resting place from religiosity. Religion focuses on the dos and don’ts but in this resting place, you’ll discover it is more about a relationship. It is through the strengthening of your relationship with God that a transformation comes about. Whatever work you will be doing, will be from a place of rest, knowing that Christ has finished the work. (Heb. 4:9-10)
Well, after all that has been said, the question is how do you rest in God? God is not a resort or beachfront where you can simply walk in, grab a chair, and rest. So, how can you rest in Him?
First is to rest on His word. The word of God contains myriads of reassuring messages that calm even the greatest storm. When that storm threatened to capsize the boat Jesus was on, all He did was speak the word (Mk. 4:39). Scripture also describes the voice of God as the sound of many waters (Ezek. 43:2; Rev. 1:15). How relaxing is that! The resting place of a believer is in the strength, finality and reassuring nature of God’s word. Stay there.
Secondly, prioritize quiet time. Personally, I recommend setting aside time in the morning. It sets the tone of your day. When you start to get a little overwhelmed, you remember what God said to you at the beginning of your day, and tension eases off. (Psa. 5:3; 119:105)
This resting place is available to all, but only those who choose to enter will find rest. Until you make that decision to come to the One who gives rest, you cannot receive it. It is a decision you must make for yourself because no one can make it for you. (Deut. 30:19; Heb. 4:1)
So, what do you say? Will you make God your resting place today?
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