This week I am participating in a writing challenge sponsored by @HopeWriters. The word prompt today is “rest.” On my social media, I posted thoughts about being at home with God, resting in Him. Today, the words of Psalm 62 resonate with me. 

Rest is a reoccurring theme in scripture from Genesis to Revelation.  In Exodus God told Moses, “my presence will go with you, and I will give you rest!”  God would give His people a place of peace, resting from their enemies. In the gospels, Jesus issued the invitation, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest!” Rest is no longer a place but a person, our Savior.

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
 my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
 my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
  he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
   he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-7

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“Truly my soul finds rest in God.” This rest speaks of protection (my fortress), peace (never be shaken), total safety (my refuge) – being at home, at rest with God! I find this rest as I exercise my faith, clinging to, abiding in the One who accomplished my salvation!

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is thine,
know thy certainty of promise
and have made it mine.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its every need,
compasses me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed.

Ever lift thy face upon me
as I work and wait for thee;
resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
sunshine of my Father’s face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with thy grace. 

 Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

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