Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14: 1-3 NASB
My husband and I rented a lake cottage for the first few years that we lived in the northeast. Summer vacations lingered while we watched the kids race bicycles down our dusty driveway. They did cannon balls from our dock and then swam circles with their black Labrador Retriever. Campfire s’mores were more than a treat. There was no need to post a sign, “Slow the Hurry!” The tall pines and secluded lake set our pace throughout the fall.
I’ve often prayed that we would one day return to the water, a place of rest and rejuvenation. Our kids are gone now, and our home is more often quiet than not. I miss the casual gathering. Intimacy blossoms when our guard is down.
Rest gifts unity and well-being.
Jesus fled the crowds to meet with His Father and found revival and strength by the lakeside. To know God is to know rest. Rest has no fear, no want, no rush. It is seen in the Father’s will. We recover our breath, lean on Him, and trust in His goodness. He is our peace of mind.
God made room for rest from the start of creation. It’s for our benefit. How we define it doesn’t matter as much as our obedience. Rest is time set apart from what is ordinary, our play and recreation, and our quiet respites. It is also freedom from our struggles—the daily grind, thoughts that cycle and torment, and oppression.
God’s rest is guaranteed:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
We too must escape the crowds and draw near to our Lord. His burden is light. Manageable. His commands will not harm us. And He will carry our heaviness.
We swap baggage and gain rest for our souls.
One morning, with another cup of coffee and a little further digging, I discovered that what I’d longed for all these years is also promised. Jesus’ death was imminent; and so, He prepared His inner circle. He offered comfort and hope, “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places, I go to prepare a place for you.” The Greek word used for “dwelling places” in this passage means a country cottage or small cabin. Not only does God provide rest for our souls here on earth, He provides an eternal dwelling place. And it will be unlike any vacation spot we’ve ever known.
We who believe will worship our Almighty God and Savior who has made eternal rest possible. My prayer is that you know Him.
God bless,
Lily Mae
You must be logged in to post a comment.