Rest in God

Resting in God means settling in the reality of Him being forever sovereign and in control. Settling in knowing that He will provide unparalleled support and refuge at all times. Resting in God is the next step that should be taken after turning to Him. It is a deliberate action we must do to survive a world that strives to abolish God from all context and content. Sometimes the hardest choices are the ones you do not know how to make. Not knowing what resting in God entails will hinder someone from resting in God after turning to Him. Turning to something is brief but remaining there and resting in it is a long-term effort. For example, A reader turning the page of a bestseller does not mean they intend on committing time to read the book. Distractions can divert their attention, making them reread sentences their eyes never left. Distractions only derail the unrest. An unrest reader will struggle with committing to read and finish a book. Rest is a sign of being disciplined, dependent, and devoted enough to settle or dwell in something. A reader’s discipline in seeing things through, dependence on plot, and devotion to reading will encourage them to continuously read regardless of distractions. We Christians need discipline, dependence, and devotion to rest in God after we have turned to Him. The Lord God expects us to be permanent residents of His kingdom. Instead, month to month tenancy is chosen to remain flexible and able to chase worldly and fleshly distractions. It is easier to turn to something and give part of your time than it is to stay long-term and give all of your time. Turning to something when it is needed is what the world teaches. This makes it difficult to prioritize things beyond the self. Accepting Christ Jesus makes prioritizing beyond ourselves easier as He demonstrated ultimate selflessness on the cross. Let us give up ourselves to prioritize God. Denying oneself will help with being disciplined in, dependent on, and devoted to the things of God.

Resting in God requires discipline in reading and depending on God’s word to condition us in the things of God. Teaching us to look beyond what is seen, and, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, discern the unseen. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12NIV). Understanding and remembering this will foster a deep need for God. This need will encourage true devotion to God as we realize we desperately need Him to order our steps. Being disciplined and dependent on God’s word births devotion to God. Adopting these attributes help us to relish the rest God makes readily available. Enabling us to embrace His provided rest and not take it for granted in spite of its abundance. Once rested in God we will be able to remain where God wants us and not be easily carried away by distractions. Today everything from disappointments and happiness to “what’s for dinner?” and politics pull at the reins of our attention. We must cleave to the Lord God at all times. Acknowledging ourselves as sheep that do not know what is best or correct. Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us in living lives pleasing in God’s sight. This requires reading—resting in—the word of God to learn, recall, and reaffirm what is of God. Today turning to God is not enough, we must rest in His hands. Rest in His sovereignty. For He was is and always will be the Lord God Almighty.