We see many examples in the Holy Bible where the Holy One of Israel granted His people rest from their enemies. Many are spiritually worn out and battle weary from spiritual warfare but be assured that there is a special season of rest for the tired and weary! Remember, the Lord has already granted us victory over our battles through the blood of the Lamb. We are VICTORIOUS through His sacrifice. Hallelujah! I recall a word the Lord gave me many years ago: no matter what you go through, you have the VICTORY. I have held onto that promise for dear life throughout the years. If He said it, I believe it—regardless of how things look, seem, or feel. Glory be to His Name!
Here are a few examples of individuals that God gave rest:
- King Solomon: After David’s reign, Solomon experienced rest during his rule.
- I Kings 5:4 (NIV) – “But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.”
- The Israelites: After conquering the Promised Land, the Israelites found rest from their enemies.
- Joshua 21:44 (NIV) – “The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their ancestors.”
- Asa: King Asa of Judah also experienced a period of rest during his reign.
- 2 Chronicles 14:6 (NIV) – “He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at rest. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest.”
- Gideon: After defeating the Midianites, Gideon had a time of peace.
- Judges 8:28 (NIV) – “Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s lifetime, the land had peace for forty years.”
- Hezekiah: King Hezekiah experienced peace during his reign after his reforms.
- 2 Kings 18:7 (NIV) – “The LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.”
- Nehemiah: After rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah led the people to a time of rest and spiritual renewal.
- Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) – “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'”
- Deborah: During her leadership, Israel experienced peace after the defeat of Sisera.
- Judges 5:31 (NIV) – “So may all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” The land had peace for 40 years.
- Joshua: After leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua provided a time of rest.
- Joshua 11:23 (NIV) – “So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.”
- Samuel: As a judge and prophet, Samuel led Israel during a time of relative peace.
- 1 Samuel 7:13 (NIV) – “So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. The hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”
- Job: After enduring suffering, Job was restored and experienced peace.
- Job 42:10 (NIV) – “After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
- Zerubbabel: After returning from exile, Zerubbabel led the rebuilding of the temple, which brought a sense of peace.
- Haggai 2:9 (NIV) – “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house, says the LORD Almighty. And in this place I will grant peace.”
These individuals, among others, were granted rest or periods of peace as part of God’s promise and provision.
Leviticus 25:1-4 – The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, “Tell the people of Israel this: ‘When you enter the land I will give you, let it have a special time of rest, to honor the Lord. You may plant seed in your field for six years, and you may trim your vineyards for six years and bring in their fruits. But during the seventh year, you must let the land rest.
Come Those That Are Heavy Laden and Y’shua Will Give You Rest
Y’shua promised rest to those who are heavy and burdened! In a chaotic world filled with hustle and bustle, many of us carry burdens that weigh heavily on our souls. Yet, there is a promise that resonates through Scripture: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. (Matthew 11:28). This invitation from Y’shua (Jesus) is not just a call to respite; it’s an invitation to discover a deeper, spiritual rest that transcends our daily struggles.
The Sabbath Rest
The concept of Sabbath rest is woven throughout the Bible. In Hebrews 4:9-11, we learn that “there remains a Sabbath-rest for God’s people.” This reminder encourages us to pause, reflect, and recharge—not just physically, but spiritually. The Sabbath is a holy time set apart for us to reconnect with God and find peace in His presence.
Finding Rest for Our Souls
Jeremiah 6:16 reminds us to “stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” This journey toward rest often requires us to slow down and seek God’s guidance. As we turn to Him, we can echo the sentiment of Psalm 62:1-2: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.”
Green Pastures
Psalm 23 paints a beautiful picture of divine care: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” Here, we find not just physical rest, but a rejuvenation of the spirit. God desires to lead us to places of peace and restoration.
The Promise of His Presence
In Exodus 33:12-14, God reassures us: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” This promise is a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles. As we embrace God’s presence, we find the strength to lay down our burdens.
Remembering the Sabbath
Exodus 20:8-10 commands us to “remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” This act of remembrance is not just a ritual; it’s a vital practice that allows us to step back from our busy lives and reconnect with our Creator. It is in these sacred moments that we can truly experience His rest.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us heed the call to come to Y’shua for rest. He is our refuge, our peace, and the ultimate source of rest for our weary souls. So, let go of your burdens, remember the Sabbath, and find solace in the assurance that “He has become our rest.” In the midst of chaos, may we all find our green pastures and quiet waters in Him.