WHEN OUR SOUL FINDS ITS REST

Rest is a precious thing that we all crave. The world, with its incessant demands and pressures, burdens us with so much weight that we all want some measure of relief. Many seek religion in the search for rest and satisfaction. However, true rest can only be found in God. Hebrews 4:10-12 reads, ‘For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience’ (NIV). To find rest in God, regardless of earthly pursuits, there are certain things we must take note of.

1. STOP ‘NOSING’ ABOUT
Being ‘nosy’ means showing too much curiosity or interest about other people’s affairs. Stop being unnecessarily intrusive and meddlesome in people’s lives. When you keep looking at other people, trying to find out what they have achieved, relative to your own status, you will never find rest. Stop asking ‘who is doing what.’ 1 Thessalonians 4:11 says, ‘Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before’ (NLT). When you mind your business, you will find rest for your soul.

2. SILENCE THE NOISE WITHIN YOU
So many times, we are plagued with thoughts that bring unrest to our soul. Thoughts of what we should have done that we didn’t do, decisions we should have made that we fail to make, the positions we felt we ought to be in but which we are not; the things we would have loved to buy if we have enough money; or the joy we would have had, if we could exchange our life with that of a supposedly successful friend. These thoughts bring worries, anxieties and disquiet to our souls. However, a time comes when you must ‘quiet your soul.’ The Psalmist asked, ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God’ (Psalm 43:5 KJV).

3. ACCEPT YOUR NARROW PATH
Theologians, in describing the narrow path to heaven, said that it is so narrow that it can only take one person at a time. Such is our paths in life. God’s narrow path is just for one person. Your sister may be a musical star but that may not be your path; your friend may be a business mogul but that may not be your path. Regardless of the scale you use to measure yourself with another person, your path remains your path. Find your path, accept your path and make the best of your experiences. Within your narrow path is where God has put your glory; you can only be great on your narrow path. When you own your path, enjoy your path, and celebrate your path, you will find rest for your soul.
We will continue this series next week. I pray the Lord will grant you rest and peace on every side.

God bless you.