The God Who gives RestSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: One of the many blessings given to us by the Lord is 'rest'. We often get depressed. But during those moments of depression, the Lord gives us rest when we go to Him. Do not be ignorant of His promises. "As a beast goes down into the valley, and the Spirit of the Lord causes him to rest, so You lead Your people, to make Yourself a glorious name." (Isaiah 63:14)
One of the many blessings given to us by the Lord is 'rest'.
"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
We often get depressed. But during those moments of depression, the Lord gives us rest when we go to Him. He gives us rest through His Holy Spirit. Those who have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit inherit this blessing easily.
Friend, if you have not received the Holy Spirit, you can claim it in accordance with His Word, "Ask and you shall receive. And everyone who asks receives." Do not be ignorant of His promise. Only when you receive and experience the Holy Spirit, you can understand its glory and supremacy.
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
We cannot live without persecution in this world. Joy and sorrow alternate. "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:14).
The Lord chose to walk through that narrow way. We need to follow His footsteps and walk through that same narrow path. Ask Him, "Lord, no matter what. I need You. I need only Your ways." What more do we need than to live a life in harmony with the Lord. Even when we face sorrows or grief let us not leave our hold on God. God will lead us.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
David sings in Psalm 119:71, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes."
2 Timothy 2:12 reads, "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us."
Dear friend, are you walking through the path of pain? One day you shall reign with the Lord. Therefore, rejoice!
Like gold is tested in fire, so also will we be afflicted. But after the testing time follows praise, honour and glory.
Many of us today shed tears over our domestic problems. The day I got married I resolved to do ministry with my husband, and consecrated my life to that cause. Eventually, I had to face problems one after the other. But God heard my plea and anointed me with the Holy Spirit. In the midst of all troubles, the Helper, the Spirit of God, encouraged me. He gave me rest. Even when I had to lose my own daughter, the Holy Spirit strengthened me. The Lord is merciful. Just think patiently of all the good things He has done and thank Him for all His benefits.
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)
He will wipe out all your problems proportionate to the measure of glory you ascribe to Him. So, keep on praising Him for everything.
In affliction, He will give you courage and hope. And He will make you an instrument of comfort for those people who tread the path of suffering. When there is a God to wipe your tears away, why should you be disheartened? Do not keep thinking of your afflictions. Instead, think of all His benefits and praise Him. You will have your reward at the right time.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,
I have passed through various perillous times and all I have done in such circumstances is to just sit and cry. Lord, I failed to notice that You were with me when I was passing through those hard times. Forgive me for being ignorant of Your love and care. I realize Your love and Your concern for me and I praise You, my Lord and Saviour. I place myself at Your feet and I seek Your holy presence in my life. All glory, honour and praise be to You, always!
Amen. |