In this story the disciples are caught up in a storm on the lake of Galilee and the boat filling with water was about to sink. Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat and the disciples frantic with worry woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to drown?” Jesus arose, rebuked the storm and said, “Peace, be still”. He then asked them why they had no faith.

One of the greatest signs to those around us of the power of Jesus Christ is when we show peace and rest amidst the pressure and difficulties of life. We have to learn this ‘rest’ by exercising our faith in God and His word. Paul said in Phil 4:6-7  Don’t worry about anything; instead, tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.  If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.  (TLB)

Many people give their problems to God by using this verse but take it back again by allowing their thoughts to dwell on the problem; out of frustration they give up thinking God’s word doesn’t work. The answer is to substitute our negative thoughts by dwelling on God’s promise so that in our minds we see God taking charge of the situation. Thus whenever the negative thoughts seek to force their way back into our minds we repeatedly inwardly remind ourselves that God is in charge and He will resolve the issue. We may have to do this numerous times but as we hold fast to the promise we will see God come through for us. Hence when we experience God’s response to our faith it will embolden us to trust Him again and again. This is how we build our trust in Him and remain at rest In Christ.

Meditation point: Help me Holy Spirit to substitute negative thoughts for the positive thoughts of God’s promises.

Rest In Christ

Matt 11:28-30 Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (TMB)

Because of Adam’s sin, mankind have lost their peace and rest, they can no longer rely on God’s provision and protection: but God’s plan is restoration in Jesus Christ! When Christ died on the cross as the last Adam He won back everything the first Adam lost and as Christians who are now,’In Christ’ we’ve had restored to us the provision and protection of God.

Hence we can now enjoy rest and peace; therefore when circumstances arise beyond our control we must put our trust in God who has promised to meet every need big or small. This will restore peace to our hearts bringing our whole being into rest. Heb 4:10 For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work. (NIV)

Living our lives resting, ‘InChrist’ will preserve much of our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual strength which we lose when we are uptight and stressed. Instead of feeling worn out, fatigued and listless we will discover the new life, the more abundant life Jesus came to give us.

Meditation point: Help me Holy Spirit to hold fast to God’s promise of provision and protection so I can rest In Christ.

Reuben Morgan: Find Rest My Soul In Christ Alone.

Adam & Eve in Eden

I Cor 15:46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.

One of the principals for interpreting scripture is found in the above verse which when condensed means: first the natural then the spiritual; and in Pt1 we looked at natural rest, now in Pt2 we will look at spiritual rest.

When Adam was in the garden of Eden everything was provided for him; trees bearing fruit for food, water to drink and clothed with a covering of the glory of God. God also put him to work (a noble purpose) tending and keeping the garden. Truly Adam wanted for nothing.

There was no worry, anxiety or fear because he knew God had provided everything he needed. Therefore Adam was at peace within himself because he rested in the knowledge of God’s provision and protection. But the fateful day came when Adam sinned and God expelled him from the garden; he was now told he would work by the sweat of his brow. Sweat speaks of self effort. Adam now had to work to provide for himself and his family, he could no longer rest in the knowledge of God’s provision.

For the first time, worry, anxiety and fear entered into Adam; “Where will my food, drink and clothing come from. Will I be able to work enough to provide for my family”. Adam had lost his peace and rest because he could no longer rely on God’s provision and protection. To be cont ……………

Meditation point: Adam rested in the knowledge of God’s provision and protection. Am I entitled to the same!