FINDING SOUL-REST IN THE LORD GOD
The biblical Word of God says” “ Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). In this world of troubles, saves and unsaved people may grow weary.
However, the Lord Jesus Christ said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
MANY PEOPLE GROW WEARY IN TRYING TO FIND SOUL-REST IN THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD.
God’s Word lets people know the things of this world do not satisfy the soul: “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever” (1 John 2:15-16).
Jesus tells a parable of a Prodigal Son who by “wild living” learned that the things this world are temporal and do not satisfy the soul. But he discovered that the things of his Father are freely given to him, they satisfy the soul, and they last forever.
Rhetorically, causing them to think, God asks some people: “Why do you spend money [time and effort] for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? God also asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 836; Hebrews 9:27)” Then He says, listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Jesus goes further in saying, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). And “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
In hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, some people have come to be saved. The Bible-gospel says: God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners—separated from God (Romans 5:8; Romans 3:23). For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16; Matthew 1:18-21).
SAVED PEOPLE NEED HELP FROM GOD IN DEALING WITH THE TRIALS OF THIS WORLD.
Those of us who are saved by believing in Jesus Christ come to a appoint of realizing we need him to cope with our inadequacies and the tests and trials of this life. Much of what the Lord’s disciples learned from him, he had them to pass on to us in the Bible.
When the faith of the disciples were tested at the trial of Jesus, they deserted and denied him (Matthew 26:47-58); but they learned that he would forgive repentant believers (John 21:14-19; 1 John 1:9). And they found out he would strengthen them by the power of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord gave to live in believers (Acts 2; John 14:15-17),
Disciples of Christ who were tested and tried tell us: “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). So “do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Jesus, whom the Bible says is our perfect example of coping with the troubles of the world, encourages us in saying: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John16:33). Jesus was tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Having prayed and obeyed his heavenly Father, he overcame his temptations and trials. He is our understanding and compassionate Savior.
The Lord Jesus Christ tells believers that to overcome the world and have soul-rest:
- [Mankind] shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- People “ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1)
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
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