"Perfectly Calm"

On Sunday mornings, we’ve been doing a Bible Study on resting. And it has occurred to me that I don’t really know what that looks like…I tend to think that I need to be in a constant state of accomplishment. So, when I happen to have a free morning, I’m contemplating rest, and what it means. I’ve said it before, but is it an oxymoron if you struggle to rest?

God tells us to “be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Be still…“quiet, hushed, noiseless, silent (the absence of noise and or excitement or activity accompanied by sound).” (dictionary.com) How often do we find a quiet place to be still and listen for God’s voice? So many distractions, so much to do, so little time? So many excuses!

If Jesus calmed the wind and the stormy sea, surely he can calm the chaos in our lives. I long for life to be “perfectly calm.” “And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.” Mark 4:39 NAS

I tend to get overwhelmed when things get complicated. And the past few months have been oh so complicated. But I know in my heart that this “perfect calm” the Bible talks about is in spite of our circumstances. We are meant to be in a constant state of resting in Him. But, how do we accomplish this? Again, our attempts at resting might look like striving, which seems counterproductive.

We tend to associate Psalm 23 with funerals, but what if we apply it to our everyday lives:

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul.

I love the thought of God restoring my soul…"to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor." (dictionary.com) The rest that God gives us is invigorating! Think about waking up after a perfect night’s sleep. You have the energy to face whatever may come your way! That’s the kind of rest our soul needs. The kind of rest that only God can give.

And so, as I continue to deliberate rest and all that it entails, I pray that you and I will find true rest for our souls.  “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.” Matthew 11:28-29