So what is REST
Read this slowly. Let every single word of this Psalm sink in. Don’t rush it. Let it guide your thoughts and open your heart to a deeper understanding of who God is and what He desires for you. I’ve used the KJV here, but feel free to read it in whichever translation helps you hear it best. The important thing is to linger on it—sit with it, turn it over in your mind, and allow it to move from your head to your heart.
Psalm 23 (KJV)
1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
This is the picture of rest. It’s that place where, whether you’re standing on the mountaintop or trudging through the darkest valley, there is a peace that truly passes all understanding. Even when storms are raging, there’s an inner calm, a steady quietness, a deep sense of God’s favour, power, and love that fills your soul with joy.
And here’s the key: rest is built on one thing alone—trust. You can’t enter God’s rest if you don’t trust Him. In the Old Testament, God had led Israel to the edge of the land He had promised them. They even sent spies into Canaan to see the land for themselves, and what they found was more abundant and beautiful than they could have ever imagined. They stood at the edge of Canaan, the land God had promised, but fear took hold of them. Even after hearing the reports and seeing the evidence the spies carried back. After witnessing miracle upon miracle with their own eyes, they still froze at the threshold and refused to take the step forward. Their lack of trust kept them from stepping into the rest God had prepared.
You don’t have to miss what God has for you. Reread Psalm 23 and you will see that He wants you to have PEACE…green pastures, still waters and a feast in the midst of your enemies and they can’t touch you. Picture yourself sitting at the table, fully aware that even though your enemies surround you, they have no power to defeat you. Hard to imagine right? But true non the less.
I wonder what would happen if you decided to take God at His word?
