Finding Rest

Amber Kennedy
Apr 28, 2016
5 min read

None of us are immune from the struggles that life sometimes brings. If we read John 16:33, Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus didn't say we would live a trouble free life, but He did guarantee that we could be at peace.

Often in our lives we won't be able to choose what we come up against but we can always choose our response. There may come times when difficulties in our lives seem never ending. We can go through seasons where it feels like we won't be able to stand up under the weight of what we're bearing. The numerous responsibilities that we have can feel overwhelming. When we encounter pressure, obstacles and struggles, it can be tempting to complain, get discouraged, and become weary but in actuality, the moments of our greatest difficulties can serve as moments of growth.

Over the last few months I've gone through struggles in my own life. During those moments I have felt tempted to complain, and I must confess that I have done my fair share of complaining. There were times when I felt weary, frustrated and discouraged. During these times God reminded me to exercise my faith. As I sought Him in the heat of life's battles, for rest and refuge, He remained my faithful source of strength through it all. I fought my battles on my knees and face down in prayer, in the presence of God, often confessing words from scripture out loud. During these moments I received strength and rest when I most needed it.

In the midst of whatever you're going through, I want to encourage you to take time to rest. The only way we can truly find rest is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30)." The best rest for our body, soul and spirit is in daily communication and intimacy with God, worshiping Him and obeying the instructions for living God has given us in the Bible. Anything that the world claims to offer as relief is only a temporary fix. Jesus is Jehovah Jireh, The Lord our Provider, and He is the only one who can truly provide what we need.

It's difficult in our noisy, fast paced culture, to find quiet moments where we can rest our bodies and our minds. The activities that fill our calendars are enough to wear us out. It's crucial that we take time to find rest in God. Prayer and quiet time with the Lord are a sacred time when we connect with Him and get filled up spiritually. Just like our cars need to be filled up with gas to run properly, as women of God, we need to be filled by the Holy Spirit, so we can run the race that God has for us. God's grace is sufficient for us, and He will give us the grace that we need to fulfill His plans for our lives.

As Christians, we live in the world but we are not of the world, therefore, we have the ability to navigate through life's trials differently. While it's helpful to talk about our struggles with our husbands or a trusted friend, we have to remember to seek rest in God, and guard our minds and our mouths from complaining. In Philippians 2:14-16 we read, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."

God has given us His Holy Spirit as a comforter and a helper to us, and we can rely on Him.

As stay at home mom's, it's easy to become isolated and feel disconnected. When life throws us curveballs, we may long for encouragement that we may not receive as often as we desire. It's important to stay connected with others and reach out, especially if we're feeling discouraged. Seek the rest and refuge of God and ask other believers who you can trust to pray for you. When we're going through a hard time, we can do as King David did and encourage ourselves in the Lord. God is with us, and we have to remember that. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:13 says, "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Don't allow the pain and difficulty that you may be facing right now to dominate your life, steal your peace and rest, or darken the precious days that God has given you. Remember when you go through hard times that this too shall pass, and tomorrow is a new day. Psalm 30:5 says, "Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning." When we handle the trials that we face by standing firm in our faith, we strengthen our spiritual muscles, and our lives bring glory to God, serving as a testimony to those who don't know Jesus.

The other day I was walking with my children. I was carrying my son in my arms while holding my daughter's hand, making sure they were safe as we walked to our car. As we walked, my daughter said to me, "Look Mommy, I'm walking in your shadow." When she said this, I thought of Psalm 91. Psalm 91:1-2 says, "He who dwells in the Shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'" If we dwell in the Shelter of the Most High, we will find rest. God will take us in His arms and by our hand in every season of our lives. He is our refuge and our fortress. We can trust in Him. He will strengthen us every step of the way and surely we will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Amber Kennedy

She sets such a beautiful example of God's Love and it is an honour and a blessing to have her sharing a word from God's heart, a word inspired by the Holy Spirit and a word we believe that will change and impact your life.