Three months ago I injured my back muscles or pinched a nerve somehow. If I wasn’t slow and careful with certain movements my muscles would lock up in a painful cramp. If you have every experienced back trouble, you know how debilitating it can be. With my back being central to functioning, I had to calculate every action to mitigate pain. I systematically stretched to promote healing. I took breaks more often. I modified how I worked, drove, carried out responsibilities, and slept. At first it took me four to five minutes and a variety of progressive positions just to get from a sleeping position on the floor to standing. Thankfully I slowly recovered. It took about five weeks, but I have complete mobility again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this challenge, I was reminded of my need to rest, not only physically, but spiritually. My lasting strength and healing does not come from within myself. Persevering and utilizing resources are important, but resting in God’s care brings restoration, power, and growth I could never obtain alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this pandemic many people are facing uncomfortable, worrisome, painful, and sometimes crippling conditions. Perhaps that is the case for you. I encourage you to use this time not to blame God and isolate yourself from him. Instead draw close to him and rest your weary soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Isaiah, the prophet, understood that Jesus, God the Son, is exactly who we need in good times and bad. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6). We need wise counsel, mighty strength, unconditional love and providence, reassuring encouragement, reconciliation, and lasting peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are all like sheep who have gone astray. We search to find our own way, but it won’t save us. Fortunately, God has provided Jesus as both a lamb who takes our iniquity and a shepherd who provides true life (Isaiah 53; John 1:29; John 10:1-18). We can rest in Jesus. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:1-3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To rest in Jesus is to actively wait. Although this seems like a paradox, you can do it by practicing these four steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop.<\/strong> We need to rest not only when we are tired or weary. We also need to rest in order to stop and reflect. We should regularly pause to analyze our thoughts, actions, and direction in life and compare how it aligns with God’s will. Don’t allow your schedule to be so packed that you don’t have time for God. Don’t fill every silent moment listening to yourself, others, books, games, music, and movies that you don’t hear the voice of God.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Pray.<\/strong> Prayer allows us to hear God, but first we must have a listening heart. This requires proper perspective and attitude. Some people approach God with anger or demands because they blame him for not acting to remove or prevent some type of pain and suffering. Some people challenge God though they lack understanding. Some people approach God only with requests for personal blessing. Some people approach God hoping, but also doubting he will answer.<\/p>
This does not surprise God. Being omniscient, he already knows your desire. God loves you and wants to hear from you, even when you are mad, emotional, fearful, questioning, unsure, or just want something from him. God uses prayer to help you grow in relationship with him. He is your greatest good. Likewise, you should approach prayer wanting to grow in him. Start by confessing any wrongdoing or offense you have had toward God or others. Mourn such action and commit to turning from it with God’s help. Then thank God for his forgiveness and praise him for the countless virtues of his character and the righteousness of his actions. Name specific examples of them. Only after confessing to and worshiping God, will you have a heart with the right attitude to seek his grace in your life and others. You can now plead (not demand) that God act in line with his character and fulfill his promises. He is faithful. You can now request God to provide for your needs. He is benevolent and almighty. You can now intercede for the welfare of others. He is concerned for them also and already at work in unseen ways.<\/p>
Prayer is an opportunity for you to listen with your whole being and let God change your heart and mind to align them with his character and will.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Trust.<\/strong> History proves God is entirely pure, completely honest, and utterly reliable. He is always at work saving. Surrender your will, your grief, your feelings, your shortcomings, your questions, your desire for revenge, and your plans. Commit to him. Leave everything in his hands. Don’t try to take it back. Don’t relapse into worrying. Allow God’s reality to become your reality. Guard your mind from the devil who continually tries to steal, kill, and destroy your fellowship with God as you confidently rest and hope in Jesus.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Obey. <\/strong>As you listen to and trust God, he will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Even when you don’t have the answer or see the big picture, follow him by faith one step at a time and he will reveal his will and mature your character in his perfect way and proper season.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
During these difficult days, draw close to God. Actively rest in God by stopping, praying, trusting, and obeying. He will lovingly respond by forgiving any selfish waywardness, healing your broken heart, delivering you through your suffering, and blessing your humble reliance. Last week the world just celebrated Easter when Jesus died and rose again to save all who believe in him. Only when you rest from your way of life can you receive the new and glorious life Jesus made possible at Easter. This way of life is full of joy, character development, and mission. By actively resting you will then be rested to act as God’s ambassador of reconciliation so others can come to know his love and salvation also (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).<\/p>\n\n\n\n