’Rest in peace’ placards dot roadsides where fatal accidents have occurred. Tombstones inscribed with those same words mark final resting places. Is rest only found in death? Can we rest in peace in the land of the living?
Two months ago, I flew to California to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and their newborn, my grandson. Plans to stay a little while extended to five weeks. During that length of time, I observed my grandson’s growth. As his little body developed, he began to suffer from intestinal problems.
Through no fault of his own, the poor baby squirmed, pushed, kicked, and cried. His discomfort displayed itself through restlessness. Eventually gas build-up in his body expelled itself in several ways. When released, he settled down to rest. And when he rested, his mother, father, and I enjoyed a quiet interval.
Watching my grandson’s restless kicking and crying conjured up images of an agitated society. I didn’t need to use much imagination as violent visions of chaos were splattered all over social media. The social distancing way of life due to the Covid virus had already instilled fear in folks. Worry had begun to plague the minds of persons separated from their nearest and dearest.
Like a virus, discontent has now spread through all walks of life. For months, alarm and anxiety has hovered over earth’s population. Between the unease of encountering a disease to the unrest of rebellion in city streets, humanity wreaks of weariness.
“I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, only turmoil.”
Job 3:26
In some form or fashion, these words have most likely been proclaimed all over the world during the past several months. They were actually spoken by a Hebrew patriarch named Job to his three friends who tried to comfort him after disaster struck his household.
Scripture describes Job as the greatest man to live in a land located east of the Jordan River called Uz. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a large number of servants. He had seven sons and three daughters. In one day, he lost it all, including his health. How did he survive such devastation?
He suffered in stages, one day at a time. He reported his hardship as a continual churning inside his body, causing him daily to wake in agony. Most of us experiencing loss of any kind could understand his torment. And like anyone attempting to find answers, he eventually blamed both God and man. He wrestled with his past life, a life full of God’s blessings in which he had shared with others. He asserted his goodness. He detailed his thoughts through discourse after discourse of his former happiness, his loss of everything, and his innocence. Until God spoke.
“Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” Job 38:3
The wise and all-powerful Creator God asked Job where he was when the earth’s foundation was laid. He questioned Job about the workings of the entire universe. He interrogated him over the behaviors of animals and birds. God’s cross-examination broadened Job’s mind to everything in existence upon the earth. He lead Job to be conscious of more than his own life. Then the Lord said, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job 40:1-2
Imagine the humility Job must have felt. He immediately expressed his unworthiness before God saying, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” Job 40:4-5
Have we spewed too many complaints lately in the midst of a pandemic and massive violence? Are we continually asking God why? Do we talk more than listen? Maybe we need to sit still in quietness before an Almighty God. Possibly we need to ingest some humble pie.
God is God and we are not. Who are we to assume His role in our lives or to even extract Him from our lives? Why do we blame Him for life’s adversities? Could it be He is ready to say to us, “Brace yourself like a woman, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.”
Maybe God has given us over to the worldly things we desire. Possibly He wants us to be distressed enough to turn back to Him. He has plans to prosper us, not harm us, if we seek Him with our whole heart.* He desires for us to learn from Him and experience His rest when burdens plague us.* Will we listen to Him and obey His words? Or will we continue our self-absorption?
Job met the One True God and humbly repented of his unworthiness. He gained spiritual understanding and a deeper faith as he walked a road of suffering. In due course his restless angst found peaceful rest in a God who loved him.
Over the last several months, restlessness has settled in around us. We’re fatigued from the world’s troubles. Have we turned away from God or run to God? Are we listening for His answers or doing all the talking?
Be still and get to know God.* Listen to Him and learn of His wisdom. When you trust Him with your burdens and concerns, He will give you peace. No matter your circumstances, you will find rest for your souls.
*For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
*“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
*He says, “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 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.
Jeremiah 31:25 ”