Political strife. Social injustice. Unprecedented pandemic. Family turmoil. Financial instability. Tragic diagnosis. The list could continue with countless stressors that wreak havoc on our minds and hearts. We cannot find rest because we are anxious about tomorrow. We worry what will happen if we do this or that, and we beat ourselves up over what we think we should have done differently in the past. We may pray during such difficult times, but we often do not find rest because we do not put our full trust in the Lord.
Reading through Confessions by St. Augustine this week, I came across the oft-quoted thought, "You have made man for Yourself and restless is the human heart until it comes to rest in You." We are made to glorify God and to be satisfied in him. We chase after the wind when we strive to find satisfaction in anything or anyone else. The Lord Jesus himself tells us, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
Let us look to the Lord for our rest in this dry and weary land. I love how the New City Catechism describes God: "He is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will." Because of these great truths, we can confidently say with the psalmist, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:1-4). We should find great comfort in knowing that even while we are weary, God is not.
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