God wants us to believe in him with a CAPITAL B and rest in him for his wisdom. REST in him for his guidance. REST in him for his security. But he also implores us to REST in his sweetness.
This “restful sweetness” was missing from the hearts of the professing Christians referenced in the book of Matthew:
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” Matthew 7:22.
These believers believed with a lower-case b.
They lacked delight in God as their savior and, instead, trusted their “works.” They were loving power and not loving God. In that mode, it is IMPOSSIBLE to rest in him in a way that God promises will vanquish anxiousness.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
So, are we talking about inactive or active rest? You know the answer, right?
Yep. Resting in God is ACTIVELY surrendering, trusting, and obeying based on CAPITAL B Belief that our SAVIOR is in control, not us.
God wants us to rest in our faith walk. NOT rest from our faith walk. Rest in our faith walk (Jeremiah 6:16).
God is not a drill sergeant task master screaming instructions at his troops. He is patient in his plea to believe in him—with a CAPITAL B—and rest in him to work out our salvation:
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12–13
Resting in God is never inactive. That’s why I strive to live with ACTIVE rest in him.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Is YOUR Belief in God “RESTING” or “ACTIVE”?
“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it; and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
