Category: Rest - Jethro TOOLS

Resting in God

11/26/2025

Psalm 92
What is rest? Often when we think of rest we think a day off work equals rest. In the musical world there is a musical symbol for rest that tells the musician to stop playing the instrument and be silent for a specific musical measurement of time. We also think of rest as taking a nap or sleeping longer, and hopefully waking up feeling rested, and not tired. On another level, the Bible speaks of a sabbath rest. We are to imitate God and His work at creation. As He worked for six days and then rested, we are to do the same. Biblical rest involves ceasing from work, but it also involves also involves a trust in God to supply. When we come to the place of realizing that our effort is not sufficient it is then that we can fully rest in God to abundantly supply. The author of Psalm 92 invites his audience to praise God. The praise of God is to be natural, but how does the praise of God lead us to rest in God? If you notice the heading in your Bible, this Psalm was written for the Sabbath day. What is to happen on the Sabbath day? This is the day that God’s people are to rest. In Psalm 92 the author exhorts his audience to praise God for His care and deliverance. Praise declares God’s greatness (1-4) and delights in Him and His work (10-15). When we rest in God, as described in the Bible, it is to be a time not only of ceasing work but also praising God for how He cares for us and delivers us each day. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says that He will give rest to those that come to Him. Have we ceased our work and come to Jesus for true refreshing rest? If that is true then we can truly praise Him as described in Psalm 92.

For More See PSALMS

Reassurance from God

11/23/2025

Psalm 91
Where do we find reassurance today? We use seat belts and airbags in cars for safety at high speeds. If we purchase a new car we automatically receive a new car warranty. If we purchase a house we have to option to get a home inspection to find any problems. If we purchase a new appliance we can buy an additional warranty. To top it off, we purchase health insurance to assist in covering unexpected and large medical bills. We purchase all kinds of things to provide a sense of security and safety. We want the assurance of safety in all areas of life. We strive to minimize the risks and seek to make our safety guaranteed so we can live without fear. However, the author of Psalm 91 takes a look at life and declares that reassurance and safety are found only in God’s presence (1-4). It does not involve the purchase of any security plan. Instead it requires a devoted relationship with God that depends on Him for all things. When we cease our own striving for safety and confidently declare that God is my refuge, then we will see Him as our sure defense. Verse 4 contains a very descriptive word picture of a bird sheltering its young under its wings. The author confidently affirms that when we, by faith, believe that God is our only defense and savior, He will protect us as His children. Note that the picture is more than just a description, it is the reality of a relationship with the only God who is able to save us. As we draw near to God, it is then that we find His reassuring embrace even as the storm rages. Everything that will touch us must come through the shelter and loving embrace of the all powerful God who is our refuge. A devoted relationship with the sovereign God allows us to rest in His reassuring protection in all situations.

For More See PSALMS

Faith and Resting

7/13/2025

Matthew 11:28-30
Musicians and carpenters understand the importance of a rest. In woodworking, a lathe is used to turn rough timber into round cylindrical shapes, perhaps making table legs or bowls. A rest is a steady braced arm on the lathe that allows the carpenter to continue working by using the cutting knives from a position of safety and control. Like wise, musicians also utilize a rest within a piece of music. A musical rest is a symbol that indicates silence and its duration. The utilization of a musical rest helps create the structure, rhythm and the melodic flow of words within a song. A rest for a carpenter and a musician is important for them to continue in their work. A rest for us as people is important to redirect us and reframe our work. In Matthew 11 Jesus addresses the people who have rejected Him and His message (20-24). He then turns and calls to His audience to come to Him and find their rest in Him (28). This kind of rest is spiritual salvation in which God gives rest to the soul (29). This then changes the work focus of the believer from self to serving Christ (30). Rest is found in Christ in the midst of living life for Him and under His leading. Like a carpenter or a musician the disciple of Jesus finds rest in Him alone in the midst of life. It is through this rest that Christ directs His followers in His ways to create His works of beauty through them. For the believer in Jesus, rest is a spiritual process that believes Him and practices dependence on Him at all times. This rest for the soul, that is found in Christ, changes our eternal hope, our view of physical work, and even our perspective of finances. We can find true rest in Jesus, who not only saves us but promises to walk with us and guide us.

For More See MATTHEW

Be Still

10/23/2022

Psalm 46
Where I grew up there was a simple saying… “Two men working together can do the work of three or four men working alone.” You would think that it is not possible, but it is. The sheer efficiency and ability to team up on a project, plus the boost of morale helps the team of two accomplish much more together than multiple people alone. I have seen that truth play out in physical life and also in spiritual life. For those of us who know Christ as Savior, we have a partner and strong refuge that we can always rely on. Psalm 46 reminds us as people that God is as a strong defender. This Psalm is written as a song reminding the hearer that God’s power is sufficient for victory over the disasters experienced in nature and the conflicts brought on by nations. Psalm 46 describes God’s strength (1-3), and presence (4-7) that are essential for us to function in a world that is falling apart. We can respond in confidence to the chaos of our world as we worship God who is not only present but powerful to protect (8-11). When we stop our own striving and effort (10), we then have the space to be still and observe who God is and what He does. This Psalm reminds us to praise God for the victory He brings because of His strength and presence. The problem is the difference between knowing that truth and practicing that truth. When I am still and stop my striving, I realize that God is at work in my world for His honor and His praise. He can only be lifted up or exalted as I cease trying to solve my battles my way. When I pause and rest in God, others will take notice and see God’s strength. Have you teamed up with God or are you trying to work out your life alone and on your own?

For more see PSALMS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

Lighter Load

6/29/2020

Matthew 11:28-30
The backpack was heavy. I had two gallon jars of spaghetti sauce plus several full roles of tinfoil. On their own they may not seem like much, but in a backpack on your back you feel their weight with every step. I carried them for the duration of a multi-day team building wilderness adventure. Through out the time on the trail I only found relief when someone came up behind me slightly lifted the pack as we paused for a break or when I was able to take the pack off at night. When someone else helped with my load I instantaneously felt lighter and energized to take on the next section of trail. In Matthew 11:28 we see Jesus offer an invitation of rest from the heavy loads that we may be carrying. There is a simple exchange of a burden for rest. God wants us to feel the weight of our burdens in life, but He also longs to help us us learn a better way to deal with life as we walk next to Him. The only way to find rest for your soul is to have a relationship with Jesus live under His guidance (Matthew 11:29). So… What do you plan to do with your backpack full of heavy burdens?

The LORD is Forever Faithful

6/25/2020

Psalm 23:6
How many places have you lived? More than likely we all have moved to a new residence at least once in our lifetime. Moving can be a hassle. There are boxes to pack and things to sort through. The simple guideline is to make three plies, one pile to keep, one pile to give away and one pile to throw away. But in all this we are just changing where we live and some of the things that we live with. We are only changing where we live not who we live with. We can never change the family relationships that we have. Sure we may create physical distance or not live in the same city but we are still related. As David closes Psalm 23 we see him repeat the main idea that he started this Psalm with. In this verse he talks about dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. On the surface this may not seem connected but as we think about it we see a link. A sheep will find goodness and and loyal faithfulness of the shepherd only in the presence of the shepherd. Sheep live with the shepherd under the shepherd’s care, protection and provision. Sheep make their home with their shepherd and there they find rest. David knows the limited span of life for a sheep or himself yet he understands that with the LORD as his shepherd he is able to rest forever in the relationship that he has with His shepherd. Like David we can rest eternally because of an intimate personal relationship with the LORD if we know Him as our shepherd and savior. You see salvation is not based on your perspective of your life, but on your relationship with the LORD as your shepherd.

For more see Psalms 23

Be Still

6/16/2020

1 Kings 19:1-18
Work smarter not harder. When I was young I did not completely understand the value of that statement. However, the older I get the more I understand the importance of those words and wisdom behind them. When we work harder we often push ourselves to the limits of our capabilities which often finds its root in the fear of not being able to survive and the need to perform. These actions often end up hurting us. For example a weight lifter that does not properly warm up the muscles can damage and tear the very muscles that were being developed by overworking them and not giving them time to rest and recover. In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah being confronted with his own fear of survival at the hands of the wicked queen (1 Kings 19:3). Fear clouded Elijah’s perspective of who God is and what God can do so instead of faith he chose to run. God met with Elijah in his darkest moment and redirected him away from his fear to a simple faith in Him. The change began as Elijah heard the quiet voice of God. Similar to Elijah, we often deal with life’s problems and fears by working on them harder or running away. Like Elijah, we can only find rest as we listen to God and in faith act on His word. We just need to take the first step and listen for His voice.

Time Out

6/8/2020

Hebrews 4:1-10
A time out is a strategic call in sporting games. This is a play where one of the players or the coach signals that they need stoppage of play. The teams stop play and go to the side of the field where they spend time talking with their coach. In a huddle they hear strategy, advice, direction, correction, and encouragement. The same is true for us as people. We need to set aside regular time to talk with our coach, God. As we stop playing the game of life for a little while we have a better chance to spend focused time listening. If we don’t take a time out we continue to play the game and we choose burn out and ineffectiveness over a time out. The author of Hebrews is writing as a coach. He calls a spiritual time out for the readers because they were missing the point that Jesus is better than anything else. He wants them to live a life of faith in Christ that is based on the supremacy of Christ and not conform to false beliefs without Christ.

For more see HEBREWS

Renew

5/31/2020

Isaiah 40
Pancakes and maple syrup are one of my favorites for breakfast. Much of the maple syrup that we buy today is made from imitation flavorings. The real maple syrup is more expensive, but it has twice the flavor. Real maple syrup is made by collecting the sap from maple trees in the spring. As the sun begins to warm the tree tops and melt the snow the dormant tree is renewed. A hunger for growth causes the tree to absorb the melting snow and nutrients. The sap is collected and boiled down to make sweet syrup. The people were confronted with the darkness of their sin in the beginning chapters of Isaiah, but then in Isaiah 40 there is a change and God offers hope. In this chapter we see that hope for the future is based on what god provides. Hope operates with a correct belief about God and a current trust in God who provides the rest. Isaiah notes that rest is found when we trust God to renew us in life’s darkest moments.

For more see ISAIAH

Path to Rest

5/24/2020

Jeremiah 6
All he wanted was rest, but if he stopped he would freeze to death. The old story talks about a cold dark night and a man who just wanted to get home. In the process of his travel he decided to take a shortcut. Soon he was in unknown territory. With a wet snow coming down he became disoriented but gained hope as he saw another man’s tracks and began to follow them. After a while he thought he recognized an old tree so he broke a branch to mark the spot. Several hours later he approached an old tree and noticed a broken branch. That is when he realized that he was lost, walking in circles following his own steps. He needed a new direction in order to get home. So he changed where he was looking from the ground to the sky. Using the moon as his reference point he plotted a new course and after another four hours of walking he saw the lights of home.

With all that has gone on in our world in the last few months people are tired of wandering and feeling lost and in need of rest. They are tired of staying home, tired of limitations… they are physically tired and emotionally tired. We want to get back to a normal life where we can find value, satisfaction, and rest from our daily activities. We desire, what we view as normal to refresh and renew us. However, is that all that we should be hoping for? The ongoing conditions in our world should give all of us a pause to examine our ways. In comparison to God’s way. In Jeremiah 6:16 the prophet presents God’s message and challenges the people to examine their ways and choose the wisest way for their life. God offers a rest for the soul that is refreshing and renewing. Like the people of Jeremiah’s day we need to examine our ways and choose God’s way to find complete rest for our soul. We need to make sure we are going in the right direction on the right path.

Music in the Air

3/26/2020

Psalm 34
Take a walk and what do you hear? I happened to take a walk and heard frogs singing their chorus, geese and ducks and their boisterous communication plus many other small birds and a slow moving egret. In all of that natural harmony the wind whistled through the tree branches rustling the grass and the sun peeked out from behind a rain cloud in a perfect crescendo of God’s masterful musical arrangement. It was a good walk. Then there was a bike rider that zoomed by listening to his own music while ignoring the symphony around him. Psalm 34:8 highlights the use of human senses to know the goodness of God. When we are able to turn off our noise we can then discover our refuge in God and the orchestra that He has created for us. Just listen and you will hear His music for you. Find your rest and refuge in God alone.

Pause... Do This

3/24/2020

Psalm 84
The word SELAH… Do you know what it means? This word is used 71 times in the Psalms and three times in Habakkuk chapter 3. Selah is a musical term, but not much is known or understood about it. The best understanding is that this word means to play this part louder, sing louder or pause the instruments at this point. It is important to practice this for the simple reason that our life often becomes way too busy. We need to pause and we need to praise God. Slowing down is not just ceasing from activity or work. That is an important part but often our mind is still in overdrive with worries or plans. God has His own way of working to bring us as people to the point where we realize that we are not in control like we believe we are. Try reading through Psalm 84 and pause each time you see the word Selah. As you pause and reflect on what has been written about God stop and praise God. This might be why God has you where you are right now. Selah

Mountain Top Perspective... While in the Valley

3/19/2020

Psalm 121
Where do you turn when life is long, hot, dry and hard? Where do you go for protection and security? In a battle situation the position with the greatest advantage is always the high ground. If you are above your enemy then you will have greater visibility and an easier position to defend. As we think about this picture let’s review the background of Psalm 121. Most likely this Psalm was written for travelers to sing as they travelled to Jerusalem. Yes they sang as they walked in much the same way as we might sing on a long car ride to pass the time and drudgery.

The Question of Hope, Help and Security
Imagine David walking on a winding road through a valley on the way up to Jerusalem which geographically sits on top a mountain in the hill country. He begins with a question about where his help comes from (1). As a military leader he was seeing the best position on top of the hill. He realized that he was in a vulnerable position and his eyes confirmed what he saw. What do you eyes see? Do you only see the present difficulties and the difficult position that you are in? David’s view was beyond the mountains to God who is above the mountains. He had eyes of faith to see what others might not see. He wanted help and he knew that he had to look above and beyond his present situation to God who is greater than the present situation.

God is Helper
In verses 2-8 David is reminded about five key actions of God. The first is that God is a helper (2). David is certain of who his helper is. There is no one else who helps like God. He also sees that creation reminds him of the one who is helping Him. David sees that the all-powerful God who made the heavens and earth is helping him. That alone gives hope for today. David was trusting God alone to help him. Are you trusting in God to help and save you?

God is Guarding
Next, David sees God as the one who guards him (3). He states that God will not allow your foot to slip. The path of life is always filled with uncertain slippery situations. David finds his confidence in God to guard his steps and keep him from slipping. But notice what he says in verse three. This guarding that God does is not just a one time event. David sees that God is always attentive and watching over his life. God is always faithful and will not doze or even take a short nap or rest. God sees your situation, God knows the difficulties of your situation and God is certainly attentive to your situation. David knows that God cares about the events of his life and you can know that God cares about you and the events of your life.

God is Watchful
Thirdly, David sees that God is watchful (4). He understands God’s care in verse three but moves to a greater understanding of God’s overall knowledge over all of life in verse four. God does not sleep or slumber and because this is true God knows all that is going on. He is always watchful and thus always knowing. Remember how David started this Psalm with a reference to the hills and the high ground? David in a way sees life from God’s perspective on high and realizes that always aware and always watching all the events of life. There is nothing that surprises Him. People may question and challenge why certain things happen, but David realizes that God wants him to trust in Him because He knows and is watching over all things.

God is Protector
Next, David sees God as more than just passively watching, but being active in protecting and sustaining (5-6). The best place to be on a very hot day is not out in the open but in the shade of a large tree or building. The only way to find protection from the burning heat is to step into the shade. Rest in the shade is found as one sits down and leans back on the tree as the sun beats down. Protection from the heat of life’s problems is only found as we rest in the shade of God’s presence at this present moment. The sun’s position may change but David is confident that God will keep and protect those who seek shelter in His presence. However, David does not just end with one event during one day. He sees God protecting all day and all night. David’s view of God’s power is not limited to one event or situation. He trusts God for all of life’s events during the day or the night.

God is Preserver
Finally, David sees God as the one who protects and preserves his life (7-8). God is not limited in time or power because David states that God will protect from all evil. This powerful God will not just protect life but also preserve the soul of those who trust Him to save or preserve them. God is faithful and unchanging and He will protect and preserve when you go out to start the day and when you come in to end the day. David says that the LORD will always be the one who saves from now and forever. David is confident that God will save forever. I hope that is true for you. God wants to not only save from the problems but also for all time. Will you trust Him like David?

Where do you turn when the difficulties of life are as high as the mountains? When we trust in God alone as the only one who helps, guards, watches, protects and preserves we can find rest in His presence when the problems in life heat up.