God designed the human soul to be at peace, which explains the inner torment we experience when peace cannot be found. The Psalmist spoke of this inner pain; “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you…” (Psalms 42:5-6).
Jesus Christ understands this inner disturbance perfectly. He reaches out to troubled souls with an invitation which is just as valid and life changing today as it ever was. “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls…” (Matthew 11:28-30).
This world’s promises fail terribly at providing restful peace for the human soul. Freedoms, experiences, relationships, and memories of a full and active life cannot remove the pain and guilt of living independent of God. From birth, humans are rejecters of God, yet Jesus still loves and promises to “give you rest” for those who come to Him.
The authenticity of faith
Faith grows in accepting that God’s understanding of you is equal to His love for you. The Bible says that God knows when “I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar…” “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether” (Psalms 139:2, 4). Jesus intimately knows and loves you. He explains; “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you” (John 15:9).
When Jesus “saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus understanding of you and His love for you are inseparable. He longs for you to receive His compassion by receiving Him as forgiver and Lord of your life. His power to rejuvenate your life is equal to His compassion for you.
It’s true; Jesus makes all the initial moves to enable you to know Him. However, there remains the personal responsibility for each individual to respond. Therefore, Jesus invites you and I, “Come to me.” It’s wonderful to realise that the God who created the universe wants you to know Him personally through His Son Jesus Christ.
The simplicity of belief
So, how do you come to Jesus in order to receive His rest? It starts by giving up the fight! Surrender is the sweet beginning of peace. The apostle John explains; “to all who did receive him (Jesus), who believed in his name, he (Jesus) gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). To receive Jesus is as simple as deciding to believe in Jesus! To believe in Jesus is to “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, (then) you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
You agree that Jesus “himself bore our sins in his body on the tree (the cross), that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). Believe that “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
Today, I encourage you to exercise faith which is for those who desire peace. Believe, receive Christ, and receive His peace from God. Share this blog with those you know who are in turmoil, so they too can receive peace.
Together for Christ: Lincoln Forlong www.baybiblefellowship.co.nz
