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What is Resting in the Lord? – Viral Believer
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What is Resting in the Lord?

Introduction

Resting in the Lord is a crucial aspect of the Christian walk that often gets overlooked amidst the busyness and challenges of life. At its core, resting in the Lord involves finding comfort, peace, and strength in God’s presence, promises, and power.

As believers, we need to continually learn how to surrender our burdens and anxieties to God, trusting that He is in control and will provide for us.

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of resting in the Lord in depth, examining key biblical passages, principles, and practical tips to help us grow in our understanding and practice of this essential aspect of our faith. Here are some key takeaways from this post:

  • Resting in the Lord means trusting in God’s sovereignty and love
  • We can rest in the Lord by meditating on His promises and character
  • Surrendering our burdens to God is a vital component of resting in Him
  • Resting in the Lord is a continuous process and an essential part of spiritual growth
  • Spending time in prayer, worship, and reading the Bible are practical ways to rest in God’s presence

The Biblical Foundation for Resting in the Lord

The Promised Rest

The concept of rest is deeply rooted in Scripture, starting with God’s own rest after the creation of the world. In Genesis 2:2, the Bible says, “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” (NKJV).

This divine rest sets the stage for the biblical theme of resting in the Lord.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were promised a physical rest in the land of Canaan, but this rest was also symbolic of the spiritual rest that God offers to all His people.

The author of Hebrews highlights this connection, stating that “there remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9, NKJV).

Jesus’ Invitation to Rest

Jesus himself invites us to find rest in Him. In Matthew 11:28-29, He says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (NKJV).

This invitation reveals the heart of God, who desires to give us rest and relief from our burdens.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty and Love

God’s Sovereign Control

Resting in the Lord requires that we trust in His sovereignty, believing that He is in control of all things and working everything out for our good.

Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV). This assurance enables us to let go of our anxieties and trust God’s plan.

God’s Unfailing Love

We can also rest in the Lord by relying on His unfailing love for us. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God’s steadfast love, reminding us that “the Lord’s lovingkindness indeed never ceases, For His compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22, NKJV).

Knowing that God loves us unconditionally enables us to find rest in His care.

Meditating on God’s Promises and Character

God’s Promises

One powerful way to rest in the Lord is by meditating on His promises. The Bible is filled with countless promises that reveal God’s faithfulness, provision, and care for His children.

For example, Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (NKJV). By focusing on these promises, we can find rest in the assurance that God will provide for us.

God’s Character

In addition to meditating on God’s promises, we can also find rest in the Lord by reflecting on His character. Scripture reveals God as our shepherd, our refuge, and our fortress.

For example, Psalm 23:1 states, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (NKJV). As we meditate on these truths, our hearts can find rest in the knowledge that our God is trustworthy and capable of meeting our needs.

Surrendering Our Burdens to God

Casting Our Cares

Resting in the Lord involves surrendering our burdens and worries to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (NKJV).

By giving our anxieties to God, we can experience His peace, which “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV).

Trusting God’s Timing

Another aspect of surrendering our burdens to God is trusting His timing. We often become anxious and restless when things don’t happen according to our plans, but resting in the Lord means trusting that God’s timing is perfect.

As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (NKJV).

Cultivating a Lifestyle of Resting in the Lord

Continuous Process

Resting in the Lord is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires intentional effort and practice. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to rest in His presence more fully, experiencing deeper levels of peace and trust.

Spiritual Disciplines

Engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and reading the Bible is essential to cultivating a lifestyle of resting in the Lord.

Through these practices, we draw near to God, allowing His presence to fill us with peace and rest. As Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (NKJV).

Conclusion

Resting in the Lord is a vital aspect of the Christian walk that enables us to find peace, comfort, and strength in God’s presence, promises, and power.

By trusting in God’s sovereignty and love, meditating on His promises and character, surrendering our burdens to Him, and cultivating a lifestyle of resting in His presence, we can experience the rest that Jesus offers to all who come to Him.

As believers, we must continually seek to grow in our understanding and practice of resting in the Lord.

This journey is not always easy, but the rewards are immense, as we discover the true peace and joy that can only be found in a deep and abiding relationship with our loving heavenly Father.

May we all strive to rest in the Lord, trusting that He is in control, loves us unconditionally, and will provide for our every need. And as we do so, may we experience the peace, comfort, and strength that come from resting in the loving arms of our God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.