REST
PSALMS - DAY 1
My husband was away on a business trip, and I would be sleeping alone for 3 nights. I locked the bedroom door and left a night light on as I crawled into bed. I am pretty sure I slept an hour or two at some point, but I spent most of the evening unsettled as I tossed and turned without any relief. Alone without my protector near, I felt defenseless and struggled to find true rest.
The Psalms testifies that true tranquility only comes as one trusts the Lord and turns toward Him for security. In the original Hebrew language, the word “rest” denotes a secure, peaceful rest of the devoted follower who draws close to God. To “dwell” described a permanent position that speaks of a commitment to endure and to stay in place. Only as we seek the Almighty do we find the security we so desperately desire.
The Psalmist knows his Deliverer personally through experience of drawing near to His presence. In these two short opening verses he uses four different names for his Protector to testify of His faithfulness:
He is the Most High God. No enemy we face can overcome the power of the Exalted One who knows all, sees all, and rules over all. Our Defender wins every battle.
He is the Almighty One. Everything we need comes from the hand of our Provider and Protector. We may lack strength, but Jehovah El Shaddai is sufficient and will sustain us.
He is LORD. The I AM sovereignly controls all of creation and reigns over everything that concerns you. His infinite wisdom and His complete authority stand without any limitation. The Lord’s divine plans for you cannot be thwarted by the schemes of mere men.
He is my God. Your God stands with you right now and supports you every second of your life. He does not watch from afar and stand aloof — He draws near and cares about every detail of your day.
Friend, you can rest today because the Almighty forever remains your refuge.