Rest

TRE WIGGINS

Scripture Readings: 

Exodus 33:14

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 61:1-2 & 5-6

I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken. 5 Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Psalm 16:8-11

I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely. 10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay. 11 You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.

Commentary: 

True Rest

In our busy Christmas season, it’s easy to go 100 MPH wherever we go, at all times. And we miss good rest. Often times, the pace of our days do not allow for any kind of semblance of rest. While this isn’t the kind of Rest that Jesus provides us, I think it can be a picture of what He actually does provide us.

See, in the world we live in, we live mostly in response. We are always responding to things, as opposed to being proactive. As a result, we change or conform to fit our circumstances. We “go with the flow,” and sometimes allow the situations in our lives to control us. The Rest that Christ gives us frees us from circumstances controlling us. The Rest He provides allows us to trust His sovereignty, that all things are working together for our good (Rom. 8:28). The Rest He provides us allows for contentment no matter what it is we face. The Rest He provides gives hope for what is to come. But still, He is more.

Ultimately, He is Rest for our souls, that we can give up trying to earn a relationship with God. Christ has accomplished reconciliation on our behalf. He is our Rest. 

Prayer & Reflection: 

Father, may you make me to rest in your lovingkindness towards me. Help me to see, in the midst of my fast-paced life, that you desire to still my heart before you. To know that Christ is my divine Rest, and the author and finisher of my faith.