Rest for Our Souls

One thing I’ve learned about other Christians and myself during this election cycle is too often we see things through our own eyes instead of eyes of faith. We fear what man is and can do to us, thereby no longer fearing God and rejecting His will for our lives. We trust in our own strength and wiles instead of seeking deliverance and forgiveness from God.

Some have given up. They believe there is no hope for America and are waiting for God’s judgment to fall on our nation. This defeatist attitude comes from weariness and a misplaced focus on man. Too many churches across America have checked out of society to the point that the church as a whole is no longer sought out for its take on current issues.

Whether it is trying to protect their idolatrous tax-exempt status or fear from being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (AU), a great number of pastors are hiding under their pulpits. They refuse to encourage their flocks to engage in political issues, thereby neutering a vital part of the local community.

We are all guilty of misplaced fear. While we should be concerned about the issues that face our nation, we should never fear what man and government can do to us. We are God’s people, nay, God’s children, and no man can ever pluck us from His hand. We should be seeking deliverance and forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. King David did so:

“Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth.” (Psalm 25:12-13)

I think we sometimes forget who our Savior is. We think of Him as this unmerciful judge who will bring great punishment to our lives if we confess our sins to Him. We conjure up images of discipline too great to bear should we seek the Lord’s forgiveness. We forget that there is great joy in forgiveness, knowing that we are right with our Creator.

One of the precious gifts of forgiveness is being in fellowship with the Lord, where He desires to teach us His ways and lead us down the path of righteousness.

If God is omniscient and knows what lies ahead for our lives, then we should be willing to let Him lead us:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

What drives most of our fears is concern for our family’s security. It is right to want to provide safety and security for our loved ones. We are mandated by God to do so. However, misplaced fear can cause us to abandon God’s ways and seek our own answers.

Our Lord Jesus Christ understands our concerns for our families. We belong to Him and He has greater concern for us that we could ever have for our earthly families. We must remember that the Lord will never lead us astray or into danger. He is our Protector and Provider and in Him we live securely:

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:32-33)

If I have learned anything in the latter part of my life, it is that I alone am untrustworthy to lead the life the Lord desires for me. It is only when I am humble and teachable that Christ can have His way in my life. Matthew Henry explains:

“Those that are humble, that distrust themselves, and desire to be taught and to follow Divine guidance, these He will guide in judgment, that is, by the rule of the written word, to find rest for their souls in the Savior. Even when the body is sick, and in pain, the soul may be at ease in God.”

In what or whom are you placing your trust? Are you trusting in what you see and think, or are you trusting in what you read in God’s Word? Are you weary from worry? Do you look to the near future and see only turmoil?

Then turn your fears into faith, but not faith in your future as you imagine it. Place your faith in the Faithful One, the One who promises to never leave you nor forsake you.

Place your faith in Jesus Christ, first for salvation, and then continuously for security.

There you will find rest for your weary soul.

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2016 David Jeffers

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