Cease From Worry and Enter His Rest
I love to walk at the park in the cool air of a fresh new Saturday morning. I tried to direct the conversation with God, telling Him to the two (ok, three) pressing things that I needed Him to make happen, or need his help so I can make it happen. And, what should I say to the people in my opening of church service on Sunday? I mulled over one or two things I had studied over the week. Nah. None of them seemed like IT. What would be impressive to talk about? What would be inspiring? He said, “Stop. Just be in my presence.”
Here I was wasting the beauty of the cool morning breeze, the birds chirping singing and planning their day. I thanked God for the grace, faithfulness, love and mercy He has shown me over the years. I began to exalt His name, to see Him high above every circumstance, to express my love for Him. I listened to a the Daily Decree. Brenda Kunneman reminded me how bold the disciple apostles were in the face of adversity. I listened to Joyce Meyer talk about having faith in God, trusting Him.
Then, God started speaking to me, “Haven’t I made ways for you, Erika? You worry about so many things.”
He reminded me a litany of blessings and favor. He posed the question, “Did you make it happen?”
My honest reply, “No, Lord.”
“Cease from your worrying and enter into my rest,” He said.
This is the conversation He wanted to have with me. Stop worrying, fretting, fearing, being anxious. I just received an invitation from My Heavenly Father to enter into a place of rest that He has prepared for me. It’s a secret place.
Of course, I accepted the invitation, right? Wrong.
I continued to bring my petitions before Him.
Silence.
I stopped walking.
Okay, Lord. I hear you. I trust you. Today, I enter into your rest.
How well are you resting? God rested from His work (Genesis 2:2-3). “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” (Hebrews 4:10)
When Moses questioned the Lord about the monumental task He had given Moses to lead the people, without help, the Lord heard him. The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Rest is essential to our physical, mental and spiritual health. Read these out loud so you can release the truth, hear it and build up your faith. The Word of God disrupts the disturbance that worry, fear and anxiety bring to our body, soul and spirit:
- He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 KJV YVC lesson
- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
- In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
- He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2-3)
- Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
- And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Mark 6:31 KJV
- For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:3 KJV
- It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2 KJV
- And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV
- And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17 KJV
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