We all seek rest in many ways
Striving to “arrive”
Aiming to please God so we will be blessed
Paying off tormentors
Drowning our fears, our woes, our restlessness in whatever addiction fancies
Psalm 91 shows us the right way
Starting off how we might expect:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Do your eyes roll? Glaze over? Hurry on?
But here is step one: dwell
Dwell near/in God
Determine to trust in Him
Run to Him for all needs of refuge
A strong fortress where safety is always found
It is followed by six verses of description
What does God’s protection look like?
Deliverance, covering, shield, no need to fear
Snares, disease, terrors, war, death, destruction
At all times safe from them all
And another five verses of description
The fullness of God’s care for those who dwell!
No evil. No plague.
Attentive angels.
Victory over those things that can harm
And then step two: relationship
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Dwell with God
Not as an empty but safe tower
A place devoid of personality and warmth
Nor as a comfy, light-filled safehouse
Know Him and love Him
Do you see just how pleased He is with that?
Just how many ways He says He will care for you?
The overabundance of description?
How utterly protected those who dwell are?
Rest indeed!
And then, a crowning joy: reciprocal relationship
He shares the treasures of His salvation
Not simply saving you or handing you a book
But like a newly trusted friend showing secret saved up treasures
He shares Himself!
