Rest in the Lord, and Wait Patiently for Him
To experience true rest and peace, we must learn to be in harmony with God's will and trust in Him.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of resting in the Lord and waiting patiently for Him, drawing from Mark 6:31 where Jesus invites His disciples to retreat and find rest. He explains that true rest comes from being in harmony with God's will and trusting in Him, as highlighted in Psalms 119:165 and Isaiah 26:3. Simpson encourages believers to embrace stillness, suggesting that stopping all thought can be a powerful way to counteract distractions and find peace amidst turmoil. He asserts that by being still, we open ourselves to receive God's peace, which surpasses all understanding.
Text
The Gospel of Mark, which is the gospel of service, contains a very suggestive thought. We hear the Master saying to His disciples, Come ye apart into a desert place, and rest a while (Mark 6:31). It is possible to possess an energy that may be tireless and ceaseless, and yet still as the ocean's depth. It is possible to know the peace of God which passes all understanding. The two deepest secrets of rest are to be in harmony with the will of God and to trust. Great peace have they that love thy law (Psalm 119:165), expresses the first. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3), describes the second.
There is much involved in learning to "stay." Sometimes we forget that it literally means to stop.
It is a great blessing even to stop all thought. Often, the only way to counter the devil's whirlwind of irritating questions and thoughts is to be absolutely still, to refuse even to think and to meet his evil voice with a simple and everlasting No! If we will be still, God will give us peace.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Rest points: - Resting in harmony with God's will - Resting through trust in God
- The Two Secrets of Rest points: - Harmony with God's will (Psalm 119:165) - Trust in God (Isaiah 26:3)
- The Challenge of Staying Still points: - Stopping all thought and activity - Refusing to engage with evil thoughts
- The Reward of Rest points: - Receiving peace from God - Countering the devil's attacks
Key Quotes
“It is possible to possess an energy that may be tireless and ceaseless, and yet still as the ocean's depth.” — A.B. Simpson
“If we will be still, God will give us peace.” — A.B. Simpson
“There is much involved in learning to 'stay.' Sometimes we forget that it literally means to stop.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to stop and be still in God's presence, even if it's just for a moment.
- Trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, and rest in His peace.
- Refuse to engage with evil thoughts and distractions, and instead focus on God's love and presence.