by Chris Steele

May 27, 2007

Whenever we travel and need to spend a night or two on the road, we hope to find, as we say, a “good place to stay.” Security and cleanliness are high on the priority list, because in order to have a truly restful sleep, we need the peace of mind that we are in a safe place.

Speaking in spiritual terms, Christians have the best place for peace and rest. The psalmist said, “What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth" (Psalm 25:12-13).

The word “dwell” comes from a word that means "to lodge for the night.” When we fear God and obey His word, we will always have a place to rest where we can feel secure. When we have a godly fear we will trust God. If we fear in the Lord, we will never be afraid of Satan. Trusting in God will deliver us from the fear of Satan and our soul will be able to rest. “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33). Paul gives us these refreshing and peaceful words, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5, 6).

So many people traveling through this life never find that “good place to stay” where their soul can find rest. We need to help them. Reach out to them. Tell them about God’s place of lodging. Jesus invites, “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).

Once we find God’s resting place here on this earth, and we remain in the safety of His hand, we are guaranteed a rest that will last forever. In Hebrews Paul gives us these thoughts; “For we which have believed do enter into rest...For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God...Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" (4:3, 8-11).