There is something about the word rest that resonates with me. If you are an educator, I’m sure you feel the same way. Rest is a precious commodity in our profession. Unfortunately, exhaustion and overwork – driven by the numerous demands we face – have inadvertently become a badge of honor. As for me, it has turned into a way of life.
I am a strong advocate for hard work, but I have learned that it can sometimes be taken too far. When dedication to working hard transforms into a sense of independence, it can lead to a different kind of exhaustion. It's one thing to feel tired from working hard, but it’s quite another to feel as though everything rests on your shoulders.
About a month ago our pastor posed a question in the worship service. Although I don’t remember the exact question, he encouraged us to stop and listen for God’s voice. The first word that came to my mind was rest. I don't think that was the direction the pastor intended to take us, but it was definitely the word I heard. Since then, God has continually brought that word back to my mind. It seems like every Scripture I read is punctuated with the phrase, “Rest in this!”
When we hear the word rest, I suspect many of us think about taking a break from our busy lives. There's certainly a need for both physical and spiritual rest. However, this year I feel like God is inviting me to explore a different kind of rest. It ties into an earlier blog on belief and faith. (1) I’m becoming convinced there is a direct link between our faith and rest. Simply put, the stronger our faith, the more likely we are to experience the deeper kind of rest God desires for us all. I understand this statement may sound somewhat “churchy,” so I want to take a moment to clarify.
On January 1, a few weeks after the sermon I referenced, the Lord led me to Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT, emphasis mine).
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
I decided to read the verses in the Amplified translation which always helps me gain clarity on a passage. Here is what that translation says (emphasis mine).
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty
[whose power no enemy can withstand].
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely].
After reading this, I just sat quietly in the corner of my comfy sofa with my cup of coffee, amazed that once again God was placing the word rest smack dab in front of my face. It was as if He was saying, “I don’t want you to miss this!” So I reread the verses over and over, pausing to think deeply about God’s precious words. As I did, some thoughts about rest began to emerge.
The psalmist is pretty straightforward, but you may be thinking (as I am), What does all of this mean for me in my world today? Three powerful words made their way to the forefront of my mind: person, place, and proclamation. Let’s take a look at each one and make application to our own lives.
#1: Rest is found in a person.
Humor me for a moment while I geek out on some Hebrew. I promise it is important! The Hebrew word for "Most High" is elyown. This word signifies that God holds the highest status. It emphasizes His power, greatness, and position above everything. This title (Most High) communicates that God has authority over the universe and acts as the supreme ruler and protector. (2) The name reflects God's overwhelming strength and sufficiency, underscoring His role as the ultimate source of blessings and sustenance. (3)
It’s easy to read this passage and lose sight of who the psalmist is referencing when he says, “Most High and Almighty.” Can you imagine a safer, more restful place to be? Go back and read those descriptions of who God is and what He can do! As I said earlier, the stronger our faith, the more likely we are to experience the deeper kind of rest God desires for us all. If we don’t genuinely believe in our hearts this definition of who God is, rest will be hard to find. Rest is found in a person.
#2: Rest is found in a place.
We all know a shelter is a covering or protection while a shadow often symbolizes shade, comfort, and safety. For example, when we stand under a shelter during rain, we stay dry, but we must remain in that shelter to avoid getting wet. Similarly, to be "in the shade," we need to be close to the object casting the shadow; otherwise, we risk being exposed to the elements, like the hot sun in Texas! Therefore, the concept of rest mentioned in these verses is not about reducing our busy activities but about where we choose to position ourselves each day (i.e., where we choose to dwell).
So where or what is this place, this shelter? The answer can be found in the words of Jesus.
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.” John 15:9-10 (MSG – emphasis mine)
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT – emphasis mine)
Shelter can only be found in the presence of Jesus. An intimate, daily fellowship with God provides all the rest our hearts need. His presence alone casts a shadow of comfort, security, and protection as we embrace His love and intentionally choose to trust His ways over our own. Once again, this is a matter of faith.
With the thoughts of a new year on my brain and the desire for true rest, I wrote down some practical applications in my journal. I’m hoping some may resonate with you as well. This year I want to rest in…
God’s plans, not mine. Jeremiah 29:11
God’s power to open doors. Ephesians 3:20-21
God’s promise to never leave or forsake me. Hebrews 13:5
God’s strength to substitute for my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9
God’s provision to provide all I need in every circumstance. Proverbs 3:5-6
God’s presence to still my heart when I am anxious. Philippians 4:6-7
God’s word as my standard, my measuring stick for decisions, and my comfort. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
God’s sacrifice on my behalf at the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I could go on, but I think you get the picture. I would encourage you to add to the list. What do you want to rest in this year? Where do you feel you need to keep proving yourself? What fears or doubts do you need to surrender? What burdens do you need to lay down? Remember, the stronger our faith, the more likely we are to experience the deeper kind of rest God desires for us all.
Finally, #3: Rest is a proclamation!
What we say matters – to ourselves and to others. Thinking isn’t enough. There is something powerful about saying things out loud. Our lives would be different if every day we said out loud, “The Lord is my refuge, my place of safety. He is my God and I trust Him.”
Proclaiming God's goodness and confessing His Word out loud silences those exhausting annoyances that steal our rest (e.g., the inner critic, the enemy, others' expectations). Instead of being intimidated or influenced by what people are doing around us, we can proclaim, “God has a unique plan for me. He is good, and I know He will equip me to do what I need to do.” Verbal confessions like these increase our faith as we live in the shelter of the Most High and find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Rest isn’t found in our achievements, our status, or our leisure. Deep rest, the rest that results in a satisfied soul, can only be found when we have faith in the only One who can provide rest. You see, what we believe – our faith – ultimately determines where we shelter, what provides our shade, and what comes out of our mouths. We’re all on a journey. There will be days of restlessness, but I’m so thankful Jesus came so we can experience true rest today and forever! I’m praying 2025 will be a year you experience rest like never before.
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
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