June 16: The Spirit of Rest

“Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest.” –Isaiah 63.14a
The Spirit of the Lord didn’t only work through men and women in the Old Testament and actively create things. He also led the people of God into rest from their works and troubles. Here in Isaiah 63 the prophet is recounting when Israel left slavery in Egypt and the Spirit of God led them through the wilderness. The Spirit of the Lord finally led them to the rest of Canaan – the country that the Jews finally called home.
Christians are also called to enter into God’s rest (Hebrews 3.7-4.13, especially 4.9-10). The Spirit of the Lord calls for us to consider how wearying it is to continue trying to earn ourselves God’s pleasure. He invites us to see how wearying our troubles and pains and losses and sicknesses are. The Spirit, calls for us to rest in trusting Jesus, and for us to finally hope in resting with Him eternally.
1. Where are you resisting the Spirit’s call to rest in Christ? Where are you trying so hard to work for the kingdom that you are failing to enjoy God by resting in Him?
2. Sit quietly in the Lord’s presence, and open your heart to the rest that is found in His Spirit.