Rest On Every Side…

 

Therefore he said to Judah, "Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side."—2 Chronicles 14:7

By God’s hand of mercy and grace, King Asa got it right. He sought the Lord His God. Scripture tells us Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord.  

In verse 11 we read:

And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, "LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!"

Asa’s confidence was in His God! He knew the secret of victory was first in admitting his own weakness and acknowledging God’s ability. 

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.—2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Oh Father!   When my heart is overwhelmed with the cares and concerns of this life, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I am.  Rest on every side sounds so wonderful.  Help me to trust You moment by moment today in all things, and as I do, bring Your perfect rest to my fretful and broken heart.  You are sovereign.  You have a loving and divine purpose in all that comes my way.  You are my refuge in this vail of tears. In the midst of all the changes of this life, You change not. You are the same yesterday today and forever.  You are the same today as when You “spared not Your own Son” more than 2000 years ago! Nothing can befall me except that which is good. All You do in me and toward me is done in covenant love. I have a God who sympathizes with me in my weakness and knows my frame.  My Jesus who bore my sins also carries my sorrows.  His Presence today goes with me, and He will be faithful to bring me His rest on every side as I seek Him.  

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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.  30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30