ENTERING THE REST OF GOD Kay Keith Peebles 6/14/19 19.20
I remember being asked the question, “Is God everything to you?” My thought at the time was yeah, right! Surely, you’ve got to be kidding? Back then I didn’t know God, I just believed there was a God. I went to church but I was taught stories about God, not having a living relationship with God. My life was filled with anxiety and fear and I believed God had a place on Sundays but He did not have everything I needed. Hence, there was no peace and no rest.
Although I brushed off the question, the question would not let go of me. I wondered what the woman meant by “Is God everything to you”? We needed to eat, to have a home over our heads, a car and so on. He couldn’t conceivably be involved with those kinds of issues. Could He??? What about my marriage problems, family, etc.? God can’t possibly be everything to me. The subconscious nagging thought motivated me to seek Him to find out who He really is.
My first year of Bible Study was spent in the book of Genesis. That year I learned that the Lord God was Abraham’s provider (Jehovah Jireh). I always thought the husband was the provider for the family. I learned he may work, but the Lord provides. Then Hagar, Sarah’s concubine, taught me the Lord is keenly aware of my needs and everything going on in my life. She introduced me to El Roi, the God who sees me! I felt rejected and abandoned but Hagar showed me the Lord would never abandon me or forsake me. He cared about everything that concerned me.
Isaac taught me God’s Word will come to pass! There can be no substitutes when it comes to God’s plan for our lives. Jacob showed me when others take advantage of us or steal from us the Lord will bless us if we remain faithful. Joseph had the most difficult challenges of anyone but he held onto the dreams the Lord had given Him. Through his faithful suffering, his dreams became a reality and he helped save not only his family but the entire Jewish race.
As the years of study went by I continued to learn through men and women in the Bible who God is and how loving and caring He is toward me. Moses chose to follow his God over living a life of luxury and wealth in Egypt. His humility and friendship with God enabled God to do great miracles through him on behalf of the Jewish people. Through His surrendered life I saw that God had the power to set the captives free and meet all their needs in the wilderness and yet this mighty God called Moses friend. David taught me to have faith in God for every situation. He also taught me the love and mercy of God so that I could run to the Lord in times of trouble because He is my refuge and strength. He also taught me the power of praise and worship, faithfulness and trust in God.
The prophets Samuel, Elijah, Elisha and others taught me that God chooses to speak through people. I learned we could hear His voice and speak His word and miracles would happen. Gideon, Elisha, David and king Jehoshaphat knew we can never be outnumbered. No matter how many people or problems surround us, the Lord is our majority and will come to our defense.
Jesus taught me the unfailing love of God which caused Him to become the ultimate sacrifice for my redemption. I could sing like Job, “My Redeemer lives!” Once I grasped His forgiveness for my sins and I forgave others, the guilt and shame left. His great sacrifice for me caused me to desire to be holy and live for Him. The Holy Spirit showed me that He is not only constantly with me but in me. The wisdom of God was continually at my disposal and I had an advocate on my behalf who would lead and guide me in all truth through every situation I would encounter.
Over the years of my life, I have found the Lord to be so faithful and close, so supportive and strong, so loving and kind that I have been freed of all fear and anxiety. The peace of God is truly overwhelming and being able to trust in Him keeps me in a place of quiet rest. When we become secure in Him and His great love for us, all concern about life’s situations will fade in His presence. When all our future worries and uncertainties are placed in His hands, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy His sweet fellowship.
“For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; my fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. On God my salvation and my glory rest; He is my rock of [unyielding] strength, my refuge is in God. Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:5-8.
“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.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8.
“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14.
“You will keep in perfect peace those who minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3.
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 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. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2.
There is truly a place of rest in the Lord. There can be chaos in the world and all around but His Presence gives a calming peace that my Abba Father (Loving God) is in control! Confidence in the love of God sustains a continual trust that death holds no fear because it ushers in eternity with God. This life is temporal and the promise of eternity with Him is forever! The power of the Almighty is with those who trust in Him! He is able to sustain us in any crisis and bring us to a place of perfect peace and rest.
