There is something divine that happens when we come to understand the magnitude of God and His nature. God says that in Him we shall have rest and peace that surpasses all understanding. But what happens when that rest is interrupted and peace doesn’t feel close at hand? We began to seek out and question what true rest and peace that surpasses understanding is.
Lately, I have found myself seeking God more for peace and rest, as the days seem to be moving in every which way. I would say that this is something I am working toward since writing this, but the truth is, that place of neediness is vulnerable and takes time. It’s hard to explain and often pushed aside by the many things I have to get done. Yet recently, I found myself simply having to sit with the Lord, in His presence, seeking the peace and rest that is only found in Him.
Today, I want to draw your attention to a verse that many, if not everyone, has heard in some form. It is John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
When I read this verse, I think of many people in the Bible who faced trouble and trials, if not worse, experiences, where their need for God led them to the very place of asking for peace. Especially today, when it seems the world is groaning more for Jesus’ return, the chaos and turmoil around us have caused many to question if there is truly a place of rest.
I love how God comforts us with Himself, reminding us that in Him, we can be anxious for nothing. God is the Prince of Peace; therefore, through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we can make our requests known to Him. It’s as simple as asking God to provide us with the one thing we need, and He will do it. His peace surpasses all that’s happening around us, for Philippians 4:7 tells us, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The challenge then lies in trusting that God is with us and will always be for us. To avoid being swayed by the circumstances around us, we must continue to do what Philippians 4:8 calls us to do: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
To know peace is to receive God, but to continually have peace is to think on things that reflect God, things that are pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. This will begin to shift your world from your head to your heart, to a place of total peace and rest.
While this can take some time to get used to, the more we practice this, we will see that when we cast our cares and anxieties on God, He will care for us, He will provide for us, and He will show up as our peacemaker and resting place. This should not be an option but a command, to trust God at His Word that He cares for us enough that we get to exchange our stress and worry for His peace and rest.
Prayer:
God, I pray for the person who is longing to have peace and rest, that they would find it in You. I pray that Your love would comfort them in this season of uncomfortability and neediness. I pray for the Holy Spirit to do its work within them so that they can stay at Your feet, surrendered to You. I pray for Your everlasting joy to shower them this month as they are walking the narrow path to be more like You each day. Grant them the desires of their hearts and satisfy them with Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
