Lenten Reader | Day 6

When I read a passage about rest in the Bible, I get somewhat cynical and think to myself, “I have plenty of time to figure this rest thing out.” I mean I have three kids with another on the way, run a business with my family, and have a lot of other things to do. I think to myself, “This just isn’t a season for rest in my life.”

But I don’t believe that the rest the author is talking about has anything to do with how busy we are. I believe it has everything to do with the position of our soul in reverence to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I conclude this because, as I read on in this psalm, it talks about going through different trials and tribulations, but the author is firm on the fact that those things do not change his position with God.

When we dwell in the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is when we can really experience the rest the author is talking about. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts you.” I think the peace that Isaiah is talking about goes hand in hand with the rest the psalmist is talking about. We have the opportunity to live this life with rest and peace that others cannot understand because of the gift of the Holy Spirit we have been given by God. We can experience rest when it seems like our lives are the busiest they have ever been, and we can experience peace when it seems as though there is not a sliver of it to be found.

I pray that the Holy Spirit reminds you today of the rest that He can provide you if you seek to dwell in His presence, remembering that He truly is our refuge and fortress whom we trust.

- Nate Barker

Prayer
Father, help me to find rest by dwelling in you in the middle of the busyness of my life. Show me what dwelling in your shelter and resting in your shadow looks like. Give me the peace that only you can offer.