Dr. Paul Chappell
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
From time to time, all of us have known people who were heavily burdened down. Perhaps it was the launch of a new ministry, a long term illness, a wayward child, or a severe economic reversal. Most of us have been in that position. Most of us know what it feels like to wonder if there is anyone who knows or cares what we are facing. Even if all earthly help has failed us, there is a source of comfort and rest. Jesus promises peace to those who come to Him. Yet how often we do without His promised rest. Charles Spurgeon said, “How many of our sleepless hours might be traced to our untrusting and disordered minds. They slumber sweetly whom faith rocks to sleep. No pillow so soft as a promise; no coverlet so warm as an assured interest in Christ.”
God’s promise of peace and comfort does not hinge upon our circumstances changing; it hinges upon our trust in the promises of God. If we wait for the situation to improve, we will never know true peace. Faith claims the blank check we have been offered and takes it to the Bank of Heaven for payment.
On the deck of a sinking ship when all hope seemed lost, the Apostle Paul declared his faith. “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:25). The rain did not stop falling, and winds did not subside. The sun did not appear to give the sailors a way to determine where they were. But still Paul had comfort from the promises of God. When God is the source of our peace, no storm can take it away.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Our rest comes from God, not as a change in our circumstances, but as a change in our perspective.
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 119:1-88
New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:20-40
