How to Find Emotional Rest

We humans go looking for peace in all sorts of funny places, don’t we?

I’ve jumped on so many planes, travelled to so many places, and bought so many things in my life in search of the rest and peace that our culture promises… only to find that none of those experiences or possessions – NONE OF THEM – delivered a lasting rest.

And, just quietly, I don’t think I’m alone in that. How about you?

Our culture is deeply dissatisfied and restless, rather than restful.

The problem is that none of those external things can deliver because rest is something that comes when we’re at peace inside.

And there’s only one place – only one – where I’ve found that. You see, for us to have rest, the battles have to cease. Money can’t stop the battles, nor can fame. Just look at the lives of the rich and famous and you’ll see what I mean!

So where do we find the peace and rest that we know deep in our souls we desperately need?

Let’s take a look at where the Apostle Paul found his rest:

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we now stand... (Romans 5:1–5 NRSV).

Wait! What? Peace with God?

Yes, that’s right! So often we focus on ourselves – our own wants and desires, our own goals and possessions – that we are swiftly led astray by the me, me, me voice that says we will find peace in external things.

But peace – true peace in the heart, soul, and emotions – can only come from God. It comes when we lay down our weapons and stop fighting Him. It comes when, rather than fighting to get our own way, we simply trust and follow Him.

As the nation of Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, knowing the battles they would have to face to take it over, their leader, Joshua, said to them:

Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you saying, “The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land” (Joshua 1:13 ESV).

You and I have something better than the land; we have God Himself.

And no matter what battles may be raging on the outside, on the inside the very presence of God Himself brings us rest.

Life Application Questions:

• Can you think of any things that are causing you turmoil on the inside? Often, it’s just one thing, but sometimes it’s many things. I suggest you jot them down on a piece of paper.
• As you look at the things causing you turmoil, can you identify any disobedience in your life that’s contributing to them? If we’re carrying around the burden of say, unforgiveness, it’s not surprising that we’re exhausted!
• What you do with that disobedience right now is entirely up to you. But if it was me – I’d repent. I’d turn away from it, and I’d turn back to God.
• And finally, I want to encourage you to pray for God’s wisdom and peace in that struggle. Why not pray and hand the whole thing over to Him right now?