Rest and Peace

My husband evidently didn't have a very restful night.  I had no idea.  He evidently woke up in the middle of the night and struggled to go back to sleep.  I snoozed away, unaware of his predicament.  Generally these roles are reversed.  I'm the one waking up, getting up to go to the rest room, or throwing off covers, and then waking up to snuggle back under, shifting positions this way or that, adding a pillow or throwing one aside. 

As I thought about our typical sleep patterns God nudged my spirit. I was thankful for a good night's sleep but I became more aware of a greater gift that He graciously gives.  I have peace; I have rest.  When I lay down at night, the worries and concerns of life do not overwhelm me and keep me awake fretting.  When issues come to mind, I pray over them and am learning to truly leave them with Jesus. 

God's Word reminds me over and over that I can trust Him.  From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God intended to be the one to carry the weight of our lives.  He didn't plan for us to become familiar with our inadequacies, and limitations.  He didn't want us to be overwhelmed with the repsonsibility of having to decipher good and evil.  From our creation, God just wanted to provide for us, bless us, and enjoy us.  One of His deepest desires for us is peace and rest. 

Psalm 4:8 says, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." God the Father promised the Israelites, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)  Jesus promised "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) 

My heart is flooded with gratitude, for God is providing a taste of Eden for me.  God gives me peace and rest.  I can live out this day in celebration, for the Lord is providing safety in Him.  God is with me: Glorious Emmanuel. And Jesus' peace is holding worry, anxiety and fear at bay.  I declare with the Psalmist, "But I trust in you, Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'" (Psalm 31:14)