To the weary soul

The word nearly jumped off the page. I backed up and read the verse again: "We have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side." 2 Chronicles 14:7b (emphasis added).

Rest. That word sounds so beautiful to me right now. I have a newborn and a two-year-old, and I would not describe my life as restful in this season.

Asa's words above were likely reminiscent of his grandfather Rehoboam's reign. Chaos and destruction ensued as "he [Rehoboam] forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him." 2 Chronicles 12:1. The king of Egypt warred against Jerusalem and looted the temple and palace.

But unlike Rehoboam, Asa and his father Abijah led their subjects to turn back to God, and God granted them peace and rest from the continual wars with the neighboring nations.

The secret to their rest was not a total obliteration of their problems. God did not remove all the enemies surrounding Asa and the kingdom of Judah. There were even some battles and problems with the enemy during his reign. However, Asa says that because he and the people sought the Lord, they had rest.

I realized as I read 2 Chronicles 14:7, that rest can happen now, for me, during the night feedings with my newborn, and the napless days with my teething toddler. My circumstances don't need to change. My focus needs to change. I need to "seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore." Psalms 105:4.

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," Matthew 11:28-30.

Seeking Jesus gives us rest, not because our circumstances change, but because our perspective is shifted, and He floods us with His strength, His peace, and His rest.

Photo credit: Kate Macate @ Unsplash