R.E.S.T.: Finding True Peace in God

Text: “Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2, NIV)

Introduction:

Life is filled with demands, pressures, and uncertainties that often leave us stressed and anxious. We are bombarded with information, responsibilities, and expectations, and it can be difficult to find moments of peace and tranquility. Yet, God invites us to experience true rest—a state of peace that comes from trusting in His faithfulness and surrendering our worries to Him.

Today, we’ll explore the acronym R.E.S.T. as a guide to finding true peace in God. It reminds us that to relax is to have confidence that God will come through for us, that He is in control, and that He will work all things together for our good.

1. R - Relax: Trust in God’s Timing

David begins Psalm 62 by declaring that his soul finds rest in God alone. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding him, David chose to trust that God would come through at the right time. He surrendered his anxieties to God and found peace in His presence.

• Relaxing in God doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending that everything is okay. It means releasing control and trusting that God is in charge, even when things seem out of control.
• Anxiety often comes from trying to handle everything on our own, from carrying burdens that we were never meant to carry. But God invites us to cast our burdens on Him (1 Peter 5:7). He is strong enough to handle our worries, our fears, and our anxieties.

Application:

Ask yourself: What situations am I holding onto that I need to release into God’s hands? Am I trying to control things that are beyond my control? Am I carrying burdens that I was never meant to carry? Choose to rest in the assurance that God’s timing is perfect. He knows what you need and when you need it. Trust in His plan, and let go of your need to control.

2. E - Enjoy His Presence

Rest is found not just in the absence of trouble but in the presence of God. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In Your presence, there is fullness of joy.” True peace and contentment come from spending time with God, from experiencing His love, His grace, and His peace.

• David understood that true peace comes from spending time with God—through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. He found refuge in God's presence, a place of peace and tranquility amidst the storms of life.
• Even when life is busy and demanding, we must make time to sit at the feet of Jesus, just as Mary did in Luke 10:39. We must prioritize our relationship with Him, seeking His presence above all else.

Application:

How can you make time to enjoy God’s presence today? Whether it's through worship music, prayer, reading the Bible, or quiet reflection, create space in your day to connect with God and experience His peace. Let His presence fill your heart and mind, calming your anxieties and renewing your strength.

3. S - Seek Him Always

Psalm 62 is a declaration of faith because David continually sought after God. He didn't just seek God in times of trouble, he sought Him always. Rest isn’t a one-time event, it’s a lifestyle rooted in seeking God daily, in making Him our priority, and in aligning our lives with His will.

• “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we prioritize God's kingdom and His purposes, He promises to provide for our needs and guide us in His ways.
• Seeking God reminds us that He is our source of strength, wisdom, and provision. He is the one who sustains us, guides us, and empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Application:

Make seeking God a daily priority. Read His Word, pray, and listen for His guidance. The more we seek Him, the more our confidence in His faithfulness grows. As we spend time with Him, we learn to trust Him more deeply and experience His peace more fully.

4. T - Thank God for Everything

Gratitude is a key that unlocks peace. Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us that when we present our requests to God with thanksgiving, His peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

• Thanking God shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. It helps us to see the good in our lives, even when things are difficult. It reminds us of God's faithfulness and His goodness, even in the midst of trials.
• Even in difficult times, there’s always something to be thankful for. Gratitude reminds us of God’s past faithfulness and strengthens our faith for the future. It helps us to see that God is working in every situation, even the painful ones, to bring about His good purposes.

Application:

Make it a habit to thank God daily—not just for what He has done, but for who He is. Thank Him for His love, His grace, His mercy, and His faithfulness. Let gratitude be your response in every situation, knowing that God is in control and that He is working all things together for your good.

Conclusion:

To relax is to have confidence that God will come through for you. It is to trust in His timing, to enjoy His presence, to seek Him always, and to thank Him for everything. By doing these things, you position yourself to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding, the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control and that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

No matter what you face today, remember Psalm 62:1-2: “Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our rock, salvation, and fortress. Teach us to rest in Your faithfulness, trusting that You will come through for us. Help us to enjoy Your presence, seek You daily, and live with grateful hearts. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds as we place our confidence in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.