Rest

In Psalm 23, the Lord talks about preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies. I once read a book that discussed from a shepherd’s perspective what that means. I’ve also many times heard an the general interpretation of a banquet table. In the former, as I recall from the shepherd’s writing, had to do with removing any dangers in a particular patch of ground where the sheep were preparing to go.

I find both interpretations rather fascinating. If we look at Christ who is the ultimate Shepherd, there are times that He clears away things that would entangle us and create tremendous pain. At other times, we may be tremendously blessed in front of our adversaries.

The most important to me is the overarching theme and mandate throughout Scripture that we are to remain at rest. Now I admit, that I am still in process when it comes to putting this into practice. See for me, I think of rest as being a period of extreme inactivity or even being asleep. But as I listen to ministers of the Gospel such as Neville Johnson and Dr. Bruce Allen, what I am currently embracing is the understanding of how My Soul and Spirit can remain fruitful and engaged while being at peace and trusting fully in the Lord regardless of whether or not he removes obstacles/adversaries or chooses to leave them in the periphery.

To be at rest means to trust that He has already won every battle and the entire war. It is understanding that God is outside of time and is absolutely limitless in his power and creativity as well as His love and provision.

I’ve been marveling while reading in II Samuel, David’s reaction to the death of Saul who doggedly pursued David’s life to take it from him. David actually avenged Saul’s death many times over as various persons thought they were doing David a service by killing this member or that of Saul’s family or Kingdom. Admittedly, I am in the process of pondering why David had such a reaction.

But what I do know according to the Bible, is that the Lord loves everyone and wishes none to perish but to accept Christ and spend eternity in Heaven with Him. I also know that God is merciful. Yet, none of this cancels the quality of Father God as a Just Judge.

Wherever you are and whatever you are facing, I can say with assurance that if you take your refuge in the Almighty, you can be at rest even when the storms rage around you and vengeful people seek to take your peace, your strength, your money, your family and maybe even your physical life.

Then you leave it up to God to determine what type of table He will prepare before you. He may remove the haters and accusers or He may not. We are not responsible to dictate the milemarkers or the end points of these trying life journeys. What He has asked of us is to trust Him because, as He says in Jeremiah 29:11, He has plans for a future and a hope for us and not for harm or destruction. He also tells us that His mercies are new every morning and that his grace is all-sufficient in addition to offering us humanly- unfathomable peace.

While we wait expectantly for deliverance knowing not what form it will take, I implore you to hold fast to your profession of faith as we are encouraged in the Scriptures to do. May you seek joy in the journey and cling to the Father ever so tightly as the storms rage on. For having done all to stand, and standing firm in the knowledge and Faith of Jesus Christ, you will come out of this trial refined as by fire, shining as gold.

Your kindness to others will not be forgotten. You are laying up Treasures for yourself in Heaven.

Many things that I have said here, are nearly direct quotes from The Holy Scriptures. Please go on a Scripture- reference treasure hunt and get to know the Word Who was made flesh and dwelt among us and Who is the Only One Who can save us from ourselves and our sinful state. And as you journey, remember to look up, for your Redemption nears, more quickly than you know.

May God bless you with rest today!