If you read yesterday’s blog post you know that the Lord spoke about being in a “holding pattern” but how even in the holding pattern He used the blog to spread His Word into approximately 80 more nations of the world to reach a total of 100 nations to date.
Later on in the afternoon, someone called with a message for one of our clinicians. The message was “Psalm 4:8.” Nothing else. Of course, the message peaked my curiosity and of course, I looked it up and the Holy Ghost used that short message to speak to me also about rest. Holding patterns and rest certainly have some things in common. I know that if God can use a holding pattern then He can certainly use our rest, God ordained rest, in many divine ways as well. Below are a few definitions of the word “rest.” I have highlighted those that especially spoke to me.
All else is the Word of God and some of what He has to say about the subject of rest. We could all say many things about rest and the need for it … but His Word truly contains all the words we need. These verses are good scriptures to “put in our memory banks” (as one of my childhood Sunday School teachers used to say). Hide them in your heart today before you need them in the night hours or moments when you feel overcome by weariness.
What does it mean to Rest?
Rest (noun) – The refreshing quiet or repose of sleep; refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor; relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs; a period or interval of inactivity; mental or spiritual calm.
Rest (verb) – to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing; to relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor; to be at ease; to be quiet or still; to cease from motion, come to rest; stop; to become or remain inactive; to stay as is or remain without further action or notice; to lie, sit, lean, or be set.
What does the Bible say about Rest?
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: ~ Isaiah 26:3-4
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ~ Psalm 23:1-3
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. ~ Psalm 116:7
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. ~ Psalm 62:5-8
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. ~ Psalm 3:4-5
For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. ~ Isaiah 30:15
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ~ Matthew 11:28-29
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. ~ Jeremiah 6:16
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalm 4:8
My Prayer for you today
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16
a lamp and a light 