Rest is a good thing. It is something that soothes and recharges and heals. Maybe you were able to enjoy some rest and relaxation this past Labor Day weekend, or maybe it didn’t quite work out that way. By now Labor Day has come and gone, the work week is in full swing, school has started, and the busy routine has left the holiday in its dust.
We live in a busy world, and even when we aren’t busy with work, or school, or running around from place to place, our minds are busy with the issues that are making many in our world today restless. A piece of your heart goes out to those that have been affected by the hurricane in Texas, your heart pounds when you think about the increased signs of aggression between our country and a rogue nation, your thoughts churn when you read about all the other things threatening your world, your country, your friends, your family
And with all those things churning the background of our mind, there are the issues that are much more personal. Issues at work, problems at home, a health scare, a mistake that haunts, a loss that stings; it all occupies our minds, makes our hearts race, and it is difficult to find the kind or rest that we crave. Into that daily turmoil the LORD speaks to us through his word. And he says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). God knows that rest is a good thing, he knows that you need it, he tells you to find that rest in him.
When Hurricane Harvey was about to hit, Pastor Andy Schroer, who serves Redeemer Lutheran church in Edna Texas, was preparing to preach a sermon on Jesus walking on water and calming the storm. Pastor Schroer wrote in his blog, “God knew Harvey was coming.” Pastor Schroer, was reminded by God’s Word how Jesus was with his disciples during such terrifying storm and how through the storms of life our God assures us that he is control and we can trust in him.
What storms are you facing? Your Savior Jesus, who walked on water to calm his disciples, who died on the cross to take away your sins, who rose from the dead to give you victory over sin and death, and hell, says to you, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). Your God, who created the heavens and the earth calls out to you and gives you rest and peace that you need as he says to you, Be still, and know that the LORD is God.