Finding Rest by Denise Morris on 11/02/2006 at 12:22 PM

I was grateful that Ted posted his story today, and I was also touched by Suzanne's article.

Although I have never gone through anything as serious as either of them, I have always struggled with remaining joyful in spite of circumstances. I understand the part about why God puts us through trials -- I know He has good things to teach us. My struggle comes from knowing how to remain joyful in the midst of pain.

For reasons I won't mention, my heart is heavy today, and it is good to read these comments and insights from people who have experienced hard times and been encouraged by the goodness of God.

I love reading the Psalms because of the range of emotion found throughout the passages. Psalm 62 is one of my very favorites:

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. (vv. 1-5, NIV, emphasis mine).

Here's why I love it. Notice that David opens the passage by saying that his soul finds rest solely in God. He then goes on to list the evils of men, and it is almost as though he becomes discouraged. Then in verse five he has to remind -- command! -- his soul to continue to find its rest in the Lord.

We all know that God is good, true and right. But sometimes life gets in the way through circumstances, people, whatever. But those things do not change who God is. He remains the same, and we often need to remind ourselves of that truth. We need to continuously tell ourselves to rest in the Lord, to find comfort in His plans.

It's easier said than done. But that doesn't make it not worth doing. I pray that those of you going through tough times today will be able to find rest in God, the provider of your salvation, joy and peace.

Finding Rest by Denise Morris on 11/02/2006 at 12:22 PM

I was grateful that Ted posted his story today, and I was also touched by Suzanne's article.

Although I have never gone through anything as serious as either of them, I have always struggled with remaining joyful in spite of circumstances. I understand the part about why God puts us through trials -- I know He has good things to teach us. My struggle comes from knowing how to remain joyful in the midst of pain.

For reasons I won't mention, my heart is heavy today, and it is good to read these comments and insights from people who have experienced hard times and been encouraged by the goodness of God.

I love reading the Psalms because of the range of emotion found throughout the passages. Psalm 62 is one of my very favorites:

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. (vv. 1-5, NIV, emphasis mine).

Here's why I love it. Notice that David opens the passage by saying that his soul finds rest solely in God. He then goes on to list the evils of men, and it is almost as though he becomes discouraged. Then in verse five he has to remind -- command! -- his soul to continue to find its rest in the Lord.

We all know that God is good, true and right. But sometimes life gets in the way through circumstances, people, whatever. But those things do not change who God is. He remains the same, and we often need to remind ourselves of that truth. We need to continuously tell ourselves to rest in the Lord, to find comfort in His plans.

It's easier said than done. But that doesn't make it not worth doing. I pray that those of you going through tough times today will be able to find rest in God, the provider of your salvation, joy and peace.