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Respite For the Weary
The previous few ABC posts are entitled: Offer Help Often, Prince of Peace Please Come, and Quiet my Questioning Heart. Today, it's Rest with Him, Run with Him.
Rest with Him, Run with Him? Synopsis of 1 Samuel 18:5-16, 19:9-18.
Long ago, a man named Saul became the appointed king of Israel. The people were proud of King Saul, for he was taller than any of his people from his shoulders upward (I Samuel 10:23). The Israelites wanted Saul to represent strength and power to all the other nations. King Saul did lead mightily for a time but his heart did not rest nor run with the Lord. As a matter of fact, Saul was driven by jealousy and anger because of a young shepherd boy named David who had killed the Philistine giant. The Israelites began to praise David's name over that of Saul's, which was infuriating to him. Many times Saul tried to kill David with his own spear, causing David to flee from his presence. Instead of pursuing God, King Saul ran after David; because of this misdirected ambition, his soul never found rest.
Rest with Him Run with Him! Synopsis of Psalm 23, 18:28-36.
David, on the other hand, both rested and ran with the Lord. As a young shepherd boy, he learned how to be quiet as he watched over the sheep, and also, he learned how to fight as he protected them from predators. This trust and training is what gave him the confidence to face and then slay Goliath. In time and by God's appointment, David became king over Israel. Although his reign was not flawless, his life was marked by receiving forgiveness and then living in obedience to his God. Because of these qualities, God called David "a man after His own heart." David knew how to both rest and run with the Lord.
When looking at the two men, I have to ask myself:
What controls my thoughts, and then possibly my actions?
Do I desire "rest" or do I just want to "run" on my own emotions and actions?
What are practical ways that I can implement "resting with the Lord" each day?
It is safe to say that if you're not resting with the Lord, then your soul is ...restless. Saul was fitful because his mind was full of jealousy; this emotion drove his actions. But David, on the other hand, knew how to be still before the Lord. In this quiet space, he poured out his heart and he knew he was heard. We see much of his raw emotion and his absolute trust throughout the pages of the psalms. After David poured out, God was able to pour in. Then, and only then, was David ready for battle.
Let's learn how "to be" and how "not to be" from these two men. Choose to be still and bring all your hurts and all your desires before the Lord. Daily rest with Him, so that you can daily run with Him.
For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, "In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength." But you were not willing. Isaiah 30:15
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28
Dear Lord,
We thank you that whatever happens on this earth, good or evil, all believers in Christ have eternal salvation with you. Help us to stand firm "as one man" believing in this promise. You are the Victor over life, over death, over all. Amen.