Christians are pilgrims and strangers on earth. Unfortunately they sometimes forget that this world is not their home, and that leads to problems. When we forget that we live in a fallen world, and deserve nothing, we tend to have unrealistic expectations. We murmur and complain as though we are being cheated. That’s not fair–we’re not home yet. We have no right to expect heaven on earth. However, although not exempt from trials we are enabled to endure them. Christ provides all we need to get us through the toughest of times.
James Smith wrote,”There is no rest for the Christian in the world. There will be always something to disturb, perplex or distress him; it is an enemy’s land. But Jesus says, “I will give you rest.” He does so by enabling us to rely on His word, recognise His hand, submit to His will, and trust in His perfect work. He assures us that our sins are forgiven us; that our persons are safe in His keeping; that His presence shall always be with us; and that all things shall work together for the best. We can rest on His faithfulness; He has been tried, and found faithful. We can rest on His love, for it knows not the shadow of a turn. We can rest on His power, it is ever engaged on our behalf. We can rest on His covenant, it is ordered in all things and sure. We can rest on His blood; it speaks peace, pardon, and acceptance with God. We can rest at His feet; there we are safe, and can never be injured. We cannot rest on our graces, on our comforts, on our friends, or on our possessions; but we may rest on Jesus. We should rest on Him with unshaken confidence and
In the ark, the weary dove
Found a welcome resting place;
Thus my spirit longs to prove,
Rest in Christ, the Ark of grace.”
