What do we do when we find ourselves in restless times? You know, when you feel the temptation to just flick the switch on all emotions, turning them all off, both good and bad; shrinking back into numbness. When you just feel like either everything, or the lack of anything, is dragging you down.
In times like this we, even when our natural eyes are hiding in sadness, we can once again turn the eyes of our heart to Christ; remembering our united life with him, the depths of his love for us, and as a result we are reminded of where we are. We are not lost in a storm; we are actually in the very Rest of God. We are in Christ.
We don’t need to live in denial; it’s OK to recognise that we may be experiencing a restless season in this life, but how much more should we be assured that we are secure in our eternal Rest; a rest that will never end?
I’m thankful that it’s not my strength that secures me in God’s rest, and it’s not my weakness that removes me; it is my faith in Christ that secures me. Me, a weak man, with a huge hope in a God who loves me. It’s in remembering where I am, for I am in Christ, that I find my inner man returning to his natural inhabitants of divine rest.
Jesus said to his disciples: “In this world you will have trouble . But take heart! I have overcome the world .”
None of us wants trouble, but there are days and seasons when it comes nonetheless. Thank God we have a hope in Christ, who has already overcome the world, and it is this glorious over-comer who is committed to love us, hold us, and carry us. In restless times, take heart, for Christ has overcome all trouble, and just as he always does, he will prove himself faithful to you once more.
May the God of all hope fill your heart with his hope afresh today. Whereever you are, my heart, and heart of all your bothers and sisters in Christ are with you.
- Mick
Beautiful words….the comfort of Jesus is very tangible here.