Rest in God Alone
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Concept
Rest in God Alone refers to the spiritual peace and assurance that believers find exclusively in their relationship with God. This concept is rooted in the understanding that true rest, both physical and spiritual, is found not in worldly pursuits or achievements but in the presence and promises of God. It is a state of trust and reliance on God's sovereignty, provision, and faithfulness.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible frequently addresses the theme of rest, emphasizing that it is God who provides true rest for His people. In the Old Testament, the concept of rest is introduced in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This rest is later reflected in the Sabbath commandment, which calls for a day of rest dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 20:8-11).

Psalm 62:1-2 captures the essence of resting in God alone: "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." This passage highlights the security and stability found in God, contrasting it with the instability of relying on human strength or material wealth.

New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ invites believers to find rest in Him. In Matthew 11:28-30 , Jesus extends an invitation: "Come to Me, all you 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." Here, rest is associated with discipleship and learning from Christ, emphasizing a relational aspect of rest that is found in following Him.

The book of Hebrews also speaks to the rest that believers enter through faith in Christ. Hebrews 4:9-10 states, "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." This passage connects the rest of God with the cessation of human striving, pointing to a spiritual rest that is available through faith.

Theological Implications
Resting in God alone involves a deep trust in His character and promises. It requires believers to relinquish control and anxiety, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of peace and security. This rest is not passive but involves active faith and reliance on God's Word and Spirit.

Theologically, resting in God alone underscores the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. Believers are called to cease striving for salvation through their own efforts and to rest in the finished work of Christ. This rest is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the eternal rest promised in the new creation.

Practical Application
Practically, resting in God alone manifests in a life of prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship. It involves setting aside time to be in God's presence, reflecting on His goodness, and trusting Him with life's challenges. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a rhythm of rest, incorporating Sabbath principles into their lives as a reminder of their dependence on God.

In a world characterized by busyness and stress, the call to rest in God alone is a countercultural invitation to find peace and fulfillment in Him. It challenges believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, trusting that He will provide for their needs and guide their paths.
Subtopics

Recreation (Rest): Jesus Takes, from the Pressures of his Ministry

Rest

Rest: Days of

Rest: Heavenly

Rest: Recommended by Jesus

Rest: Spiritual

Rest: The Annual Feasts, Added Rest Days

Related Terms

Seventh (123 Occurrences)

Ararat (4 Occurrences)

Thirteenth (12 Occurrences)

Eldad (2 Occurrences)

Prophesied (57 Occurrences)

Armenia (2 Occurrences)

Feasting (39 Occurrences)

Fourteenth (25 Occurrences)

Journeyed (111 Occurrences)

Gladness (83 Occurrences)

Six (198 Occurrences)

Noah (55 Occurrences)

Rejoicing (90 Occurrences)

Boil (29 Occurrences)

Deluge (17 Occurrences)

Tents (284 Occurrences)

Rome (12 Occurrences)

Samson (37 Occurrences)

Yoke (79 Occurrences)

Kirjath-arba (8 Occurrences)

Ointments (9 Occurrences)

Jehu (63 Occurrences)

Jaar (1 Occurrence)

Locusts (33 Occurrences)

Labors (27 Occurrences)

Leaned (14 Occurrences)

Laver (13 Occurrences)

Grasped (11 Occurrences)

Favour (171 Occurrences)

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Timber (32 Occurrences)

Repeat (10 Occurrences)

Registered (21 Occurrences)

Rests (25 Occurrences)

Recorded (141 Occurrences)

Relied (10 Occurrences)

Resteth (18 Occurrences)

Restest (1 Occurrence)

Refreshed (16 Occurrences)

Ezra (28 Occurrences)

Eschatology

Enters (44 Occurrences)

Dogma

Described (16 Occurrences)

Dense (11 Occurrences)

Mountains (221 Occurrences)

Millstone (9 Occurrences)

Molten (41 Occurrences)

Mill (9 Occurrences)

Month (197 Occurrences)

Myriads (24 Occurrences)

Medad (2 Occurrences)

Myriad (12 Occurrences)

Prepared (246 Occurrences)

Perfumes (69 Occurrences)

Pitched (101 Occurrences)

Persisted (8 Occurrences)

Prophet (315 Occurrences)

Prevented (19 Occurrences)

Battles (8 Occurrences)

Bracing (1 Occurrence)

Brazen (42 Occurrences)

Braced (2 Occurrences)

Boiled (15 Occurrences)

Beams (28 Occurrences)

Commendable (4 Occurrences)

Coasts (58 Occurrences)

Chambers (68 Occurrences)

Children

Child (355 Occurrences)

Ceases (10 Occurrences)

Creating (7 Occurrences)

Cherub (21 Occurrences)

Countless (11 Occurrences)

Corner-stone (10 Occurrences)

Central (1 Occurrence)

Calendar

Cornerstone (13 Occurrences)

Rest in God
Top of Page
Top of Page