Jesus, Our Place of Rest and Healing
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee" (Psalms 9:9-10)
Thought For Today:
Some years ago, a "Calgon" advertisement showed women at the end of a tiring, stressful day saying, "Calgon, take me away!" The message was simple: step into a hot bath with Calgon, relax, and emerge feeling refreshed and renewed. Wouldn't it be nice if life were always that simple when we are weary and under pressure?
In many countries, there are underground hot springs known for their healing properties. In times of war, wounded soldiers were sometimes brought to these springs to soak and recover in the mineral-rich waters. Those springs offered relief for the body—but Jesus offers healing for the soul as well. He is our healer and our refuge.
David declared that the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed and a very present help in trouble. He wrote:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." (Psalms 46:1-11)
Read those words again and let them settle into your heart. When we come to Jesus with our tired, burdened, and stressed lives, He can restore us and bring us into a place of rest.
Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).
