I Will Give You Rest

MARCH 21

I will give you rest

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour

and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

There is no rest for the Christian in the world.

There will be always something to disturb,     perplex,    or distress him;    it is an enemy’s land.

But Jesus says, “I will give you rest.”

He does so by enabling us to rely on His word,    recognize His hand,    submit to His will,    and trust in His perfect work.

He assures us that our sins are forgiven us;

 that our persons are safe in His keeping;

 that His presence shall always be with us;

 and that all things shall work together for the best.

We can rest on His faithfulness;

He has been tried, and found faithful.

We can rest on His love,    for it knows not the shadow of turn.

We can rest on His power; for He is engaged on our behalf.

We can rest on His covenant, it is ordered in all things and sure.

We can rest on His blood;   it speaks peace,   pardon,   and acceptance with God

We can rest at His feet; there we are safe, and can never be injured.

We cannot rest on our graces,   on our comforts, on our friends,  or on our possessions;   but we may rest on Jesus-- we shall rest on Him with unshakable confidence,    and ardent love; for His promises are plain,   His power in infinite,   and His love passeth knowledge.

In the ark, the weary dove

Found a welcome resting-place;

Thus my spirit longs to prove,

Rest in Christ, the Ark of grace.

James Smith