The Movement of Rest

For the longest time contemplating the movement of rest simply failed to make sense to me. Encountering a quote mentioning the concept, my mind labored in reconciling movement with rest. Yet a myopic view of rest implying a complete cessation of movement kept me stuck searching for a flawed image of rest.

In my journey to the Cross this Lenten season, God continues to speak lessons into my soul on this coveted theme. An answer to prayer really, in the past few weeks I received more than I expected when I sought the Lord for rest in my life.

In the receiving, the eyes of my understanding perceive new perspectives on rest which bring sweet restoration during what is often a heavier time of soul searching.

Using unique illustrations, God has revealed new facets of rest which have both delighted and challenged me. My first lesson centered around an illustration from the music realm exploring the aspects of the musical technique of musical rests.

When the music stops during a musical rest, though no notes are played, the rest commands an important role in the complex whole of the piece. So, too, seasons of rest punctuate the melody of our life.

My second lesson centered on the more challenging concept of rest found in true repentance.

Recognizing the restlessness of my heart under the burden of unconfessed sin, God’s gentle call to repentance provides the balm so necessary for the healing of my relationships both with God and others.

In this, my third lesson, God spoke deeply into my heart on the movement of rest from Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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.”

Again, a passing comment lodged in my mind swirled around following Jesus as the priority of my day, and everything else falls into place behind this commitment.

On the surface, it certainly simplified my days, if all I was required to do, was to simply follow Him, then what need had I to fuss over schedules and agendas?

Yet the sheer impracticality of the concept plagued me.

I mean, I have full time employment responsibilities, a husband, home, and dog which require attention, and a myriad of “other” obligations. How does one simply follow Jesus and let these things take care of themselves?

Boldly coming to the Throne of Grace I sought the answer. Admittedly my expectations of an answer were low, much less a quick one. But having barely brought the request before God, an immediate answer followed, which made so much sense I all but leaped for joy.

The answer, simple and profound contained four words, contemplated in light of Psalm 23.

Trust. He challenged my trust issues. Simply put, you cannot follow someone you do not trust. I must not only trust Him with the minutiae of my days, but the big stuff, yea even my life!

Listen. Another challenge. To whom am I listening most of my days? Myself? (I do have the best ideas, right?) Others? Fears? Sadly, I realized how little I listened to His voice. No, you cannot follow someone to whom you fail to listen for direction.

Slow-down. A follower must follow at the leader’s pace, not their own. You simply cannot follow “in a hurry“. How many times do I turn off and take a “better” way, taking the lead myself?

Yield. A follower must yield to the leader’s instruction and direction, even if they think they have a better idea. You cannot follow without yielding your will and expectations for the outcome.

The more I pondered the breadth of truly following Jesus, the more I saw how following in this way reconciled the movement of rest in light of Psalm 23.

When I trust where Jesus as my Good Shepherd leads, listening to His voice, slowing down and yielding my will to His, I find rest in complete peace of mind, body and soul. I have no need to control outcomes or strive for my own needs.

As I follow, in His sovereignty, He provides the exact form of necessary rest, whether lying down in green pastures, leisurely strolling by still waters, or walking a path of righteousness in the challenges facing me each day.

Even in the valley of the shadow of death, He provides the rest of His kind and loving Presence.

Yes, at times, rest nourishes my soul through a cessation of activity, but in the movement of fully following Jesus, my soul finds sweet rest in full abandonment to His loving care.

If you enjoyed reading this post, there’s more! Sign up for my monthly newsletters; a little slice of serenity delivered right to your inbox! As my “Thank-you” you will receive my FREE “Hope in Hard Times Guide” for signing up!