Rest

En Gedi, Israel

God knows we need rest. He made the whole world in six days and rested on the seventh. Even the God of the universe rested. En Gedi is an oasis in the Judean desert east of the Dead Sea. David rested there when he was running for his life from King Saul. I rested there. After climbing a rocky mountain path, the cool splash of a waterfall refreshed me. The sounds of children’s laughter ignited joy in my heart. Like David, I wanted to stay. I wanted to hide in this high mountain paradise.

David used metaphors from En Gedi to describe his refuge in our Lord. “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).

Have you ever felt afraid, overwhelmed or in despair? Sometimes God provides a mountain top hiding place to refresh you. Maybe it’s an oasis like En Gedi. Maybe it’s a spiritual awakening or an emotional peace. David left the sanctuary of En Gedi to become king of Israel. God wants us to move on too–to serve Him and others. Is there someone you know who needs refreshment or encouragement? Jesus said, “Come to me all 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Will you tell somebody?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the rest and peace we have in you. Help us not to linger in our rest, but to use it to renew our strength to do what you have called us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.