I will give you rest.
I will give you rest
Exodus 33:14
Here are some godly principles that bring rest to the soul.
In a time when the earth is filled with war, violence and corruption the Lord says He will give His Church rest.
- God is looking for someone to walk with Him, talk with Him, to be justified by faith in Christ Jesus. In order to walk and talk with God we need to recognise and hear His voice before we can obey Him. We get to know God’s voice through an open Bible.
- God is looking for a man of rest: Noah means rest. The wicked know no rest because they have no Covenant with God. Jesus invites us to learn meekness and humility from Him in order to find rest for our souls. (Mat 11:28, 29) The Good Shepherd leads His sheep to quiet waters to restore their souls. The proof of God’s presence to Moses was the fact that God gave them rest.
- Noah sent out a dove and a raven out of the ark to see if the waters abated on the earth. The raven never came back because it fed on the dead carcasses of animals and people drifting in the flood. The dove is a pure animal and did not defile itself with the putrefying flesh of dead beings and returned to the ark. We need to deny our old raven nature that feeds on putrefying things and learn to obey our new creature in Christ dove nature. Isaiah prophesied in returning and rest shall be your strength. (Is 30:15) and in Job 22:21 we read: ‘Acquaint yourself with Him and be at rest.’
- When you get into rest the battle is over!
- Self-effort does not bring rest. When you trust in God you can find rest. God wants to bring you into a mature relationship with Him before He will change your circumstances. If you are out of rest you make people nervous and jittery around you. Rest is based on relationship not circumstances. He makes us uncomfortable until we submit to His ways. An acronym for REST is Relying Exclusively on Spiritual Truths! Then pressure from the outside can no longer disturb your rest because you trust in God. Then God can give you clear strategy. Then God can give you power to create wealth!
- God rested from all his labours on the 7th day. He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus is our Sabbath Rest. We enter in on it by faith in Christ. When you are at rest you trust that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose to be conformed to the image of His dear Son Jesus Christ. (Rom 8:28, 29)
Application of these principles of rest
Repent and admit that you are not in the rest of faith. Repent and admit that you are not seeing God’s perspective in your circumstances. Ask God for wisdom that you lack. Take your eyes off your circumstances and keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. Stop relying on your own self-effort; do not put your trust in people, but in the Living God. He promised Moses: ‘I will be with you and give you rest!’ God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He makes that same promise to you today!
The Good Shepherd will restore your soul and lead you in paths of righteousness for His sake; you’ll fear no evil. His rod and His staff will comfort you; He will prepare a table before your enemies and make your cup run over! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Amen.