Last night (Feb. 9, 2006) I had to press through some pretty intense disturbance (somewhat like anxiety) while I was ministering on the drums. I remember wondering what was wrong; asking the Lord if I had missed it somewhere or was out of line at all with Him. There was no response, so I dismissed it. [On a side note: when God doesn’t show you something’s wrong — then don’t bother about it, and don’t allow the devil to conjure up something either]. Then this morning I had an unrest about me, so I prayed again asking the Lord what was wrong. These words arose in me: “Rest is a decision.”
As I’ve taught in the past: when revelation comes from God you will also get understanding (at least partial — revelation usually grows with time and maturity).
So here’s the understanding I received: as with all of the promises of God (our inheritance), we must possess it, take hold of it; in other words, “labor to enter into” the rest of God (Hebrews 4:11), that takes decision.
Wait a minute, I thought we were talking about resting, and now labor is brought up? First let me mention that rest is not a ceasing of work, nor is it abundance of sleep; one can sleep for ten hours and still not be at rest.
Rest is a quietness of soul, undisturbedness in spirit. The primary labor required to enter into the rest of God is the renewal of the mind with the word of God — then being a doer of what you’ve renewed your mind to. Things like: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Or: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). One of my personal favorites is found in Proverbs from the Amplified Bible: “Roll your works upon the Lord — commit and trust them wholly to Him; [He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed” (16:3).
We all want success in life. I dare say most all of unrest or anxiety stems from concern for the things happening all around us — the uncertainty of this planet has spawned a spirit of hopelessness, and if we’re not careful to guard ourselves against it, it’ll get on us!
I strongly believe part of the light and glory that’s to be seen on us in these latter times is the security we have in Christ, Who is our refuge and fortress, our strong tower and Rock of defense!
Quiet your soul today (and every day) with these comforting words, then be ready to give an answer for the hope that’s within you, seasoning the world around you with the rest of Almighty God!
