“I will find my rest in GOD ALONE. He is the One who GIVES ME HOPE. He alone is MY ROCK. He is the One who SAVES ME. He is like A FORT to me. I will always be SECURE. I DEPEND ON GOD to save me and to honor me. He is my mighty rock. He is my PLACE OF SAFETY. TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES, you people. TELL HIM all of YOUR TROUBLES. God is our PLACE OF SAFETY. Selah” (Psalms 62:5-8)
- I WILL FIND MY REST IN GOD ALONE: He’s not talking about physical rest that involves taking a break from activity, relaxing, napping, or stopping to gather strength to continue or complete some physical undertaking. Rest in God refers to a SPIRITUAL REST from confusion, worry, stress, useless human effort, and a break from all internal, external, mortal, and spiritual enemies.
- HE IS THE ONE WHO GIVES ME HOPE: Hoping in God does not come naturally for many of us. We must remind ourselves, and preach diligently and forcefully, or we will give way to a downcast and disquieted spirit. I look to the emotional reservoir of HOPE FOR THE STRENGTH TO HOLD FAST to the way of righteousness, and deny myself some brief, unsatisfying pleasure.
- HE IS THE ONE WHO SAVES ME, HE IS MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS: “The LORD IS MY ROCK, MY FORTRESS, and my SAVIOR; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and HE SAVED ME FROM MY ENEMIES.” (2 Samuel 22:2-4)
- TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES: “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart; DO NOT DEPEND on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you WHICH PATH TO TAKE.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- TELL HIM ALL OF YOUR TROUBLES: “I pour out my complaints before Him and tell Him ALL MY TROUBLES. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I SHOULD TURN. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, “YOU ARE MY PLACE OF REFUGE (maḥăsê: a place of resort and safety). YOU ARE ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.” (Psalms 142:2-5)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham