April 27, 2024

Psalm 62.1  (NIV)
My soul finds rest in God alone.

We are not living in the world our souls were made for.*

According to language experts, the exact meaning of this verse is not clear. One such expert claims that the literal translation from the Hebrew is, "Only unto God silence my soul." Other translations include:

• Only in God does my soul rest. (The Douay Version)      
• For God alone my soul waits in silence. (RSV)
• Truly my soul waiteth upon God. (KJV)
• I wait patiently for God to save me. (The Good News Bible) 
• Only in God do I encounter peace. (Translated from Dios Habla Hoy)
• Shall not my soul be subjected to God? (LXX)

Whatever words convey the exact intended meaning of the verse, the theme is consistent: longing for peace and rest - which we find only in God. Long, relaxing vacations and transcendental meditation are only band-aids on the gaping wounds in our hearts.

 

I wish that I could provide step-by-step procedures for learning how to find rest in God. Of course, Bible study and prayer are essential but they are merely “prep” work – you can study and pray and study and pray and on and on and still not find that peace that comes from giving God control of your life. Does it require faith? Yes, but full-grown faith is not necessary. Perhaps we could look at it as a one-step procedure: you will not rest in God until you just do it. One baby step propelled by a tiny bit of faith and suddenly you realize: I’m doing it! I’m resting in God!

Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.*