there is rest

Psalm 91: 1-2, NIV
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Every now and again and I feel a little jolt in my spirit as I read a verse of Scripture. Verse one of Psalm 91 is such a verse. The jolt came when I read the first word: “whoever”. Whoever. Anybody. Anyone. Anyone at all. Any soul. The person. He who. She who. They who… The Father promises ALL of us that when we choose to move into and live in his sheltering presence there is guaranteed rest.

Note, he does not say you might get a good night’s sleep or a quick break every now and again, he says “whoever… WILL rest!”! The tense is present and continuous. Make yourself a hot drink. Sit down. Take a breath. Let the fulness of that promise of eternal rest settle in your heart and mind.

In the busyness of daily life with all its hassles and pressures, there is rest in the Father. In the seasons when our activities are dictated by other people’s deadlines and demands, there is rest in the Father. In the craziness and upheaval of an unstable world, there is rest in the Father.
You will rest as you dwell in the shelter of the Most High. That is a promise.

Let’s pray
Father, I choose to resting today in the shadow of the rock (Isaiah 32:2), the shadow of the tree (Song of Solomon 2:3), the shadow of your wings (Psalm 63:7) and the shadow of your hand (Isaiah 49:2). Thank you for your provision and protection. In Jesus' name. Amen.