Where do we find our calm? I remember as a child seeing the old Calgon bath commercial. It advertised that a bath with Calgon was a place where an exhausted mother could go to escape and find some peace. It seems we all need some Calgon these days. But we really need something much greater. We need to stop trying to figure everything out. Everyone wants an answer. Quite often demanding an answer. That will rarely bring calm and peace (truly…I don’t believe it ever will).

You can turn to one news station and ten minutes later turn to another and get whiplash from the massive differences in how things are reported. It’s overwhelming, and honestly, I don’t think it’s good for our souls. We often have this complex that we have to know all the answers. Well, let me put it simply. We don’t know all the answers. We (you) are not God. This does not mean we shouldn’t seek to be informed or to grow in our understanding of the way life works. But what it does mean - is that we need to learn to rest rather than to be constantly chasing after things that are perhaps a bit bigger than us.

Psalm 131 is a short and simple song of David. It is a psalm of confidence and of great rest. The controlling image is of a weaned child…calmed and quieted in his mother’s arms. It is so peaceful. It is true contentment. How does David get to that point? He humbles himself. He does not chase after things in arrogance and pride that are too big for him (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29). He places his hope and his trust solely in the one who has the power and ability and the wisdom to handle everything. He hopes and rests in God.

In some sense, this is an Old Testament version of Romans 8:28. We can rest and trust because we believe that God is working in all things…and we don’t need to know all the specifics. Let us look to God in calm and rest. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus (his life, death, and resurrection a perfect example of God working all things). Calm yourself in his presence. Trust and hope in the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore.

1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; 

my eyes are not raised too high; 

I do not occupy myself with things 

too great and too marvelous for me. 

2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, 

like a weaned child with its mother; 

like a weaned child is my soul within me. 

3 O Israel, hope in the LORD 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

Here is the song “Psalm 131” by the band Waterdeep.

It’s Saturday morning, and as of late I have merely been posting a song. This is a song from the 1800’s, and though it has been redone, it still retains the beauty of the original verse. It is all based off of what is arguably the best known psalm in all of Scripture - Psalm 23. This is the psalm with the “hounds of heaven” - the goodness and mercy of the Lord that will pursue me all the days of my life. This is a psalm of tremendous comfort and hope, because it focuses on the Great Shepherd. Because it is so familiar, I encourage you to read it as well this morning in a different translation. I’ve included one below by Alec Motyer (an Irish scholar who died a few years ago. He said of himself: "I’m not really a scholar. I’m just a man who loves the Word of God.”).

(The Shepherd)

1. Yahweh is my shepherd:

I will not lack.

2. In pastures of fresh grass he makes me lie.

Beside secure waters he guides me.

3. He restores my soul.

He leads me along tracks of righteousness,

for the sake of his name.

(The Companion)

4. Even when I am walking in the valley of deadly shadows

I do not fear evil,

because you are ever with me:

your rod and your staff reassure me.

(The Host)

5. You lay a table before me,

in front of my adversaries.

You have refreshed my head with oil;

my cup is more than full!

6. But indeed good and committed love

will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will return to Yahweh’s house for ever.

And now to get to the song - “The King of Love” by I Am They.

I AM THEY - King Of Love: Song Sessions Free Chords + Lyrics: https://essentialworship.lnk.to/KingLoveTutorialID Stream or Download: https://essentialworship...

The King of Love my Shepherd is
Whose goodness faileth never
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever
And He is mine forever

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth

Never failing, Ruler of my heart
Everlasting, Lover of my soul
On the mountain high or in the valley low
The King of Love my Shepherd is
The King of Love my Shepherd is

Lost and foolish off I strayed
But yet in love He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
And home rejoicing brought me

In death's dark veil I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me
Thy rod and staff my comfort still
Thy cross before to guide me

Never failing, Ruler of my heart
Everlasting, Lover of my soul
On the mountain high or in the valley low
The King of Love my Shepherd is
The King of Love my Shepherd is

Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Never failing, Ruler of my heart
Everlasting, Lover of my soul
On the mountain high or in the valley low
The King of Love my Shepherd is

Never failing, Ruler of my heart
Everlasting, Lover of my soul
On the mountain high or in the valley low
The King of Love my Shepherd is
The King of Love my Shepherd is

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never
Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise
Within Your house forever
Within Your house forever

In light of the past few days on the blog, the song I am posting this morning is another from Rich Mullins - though originally from Fanny Crosby. Take time today and find in Scripture all the references in this song to the care of our Great Shepherd. Why should we not doubt his mercies? How is he such a comfort? How do we know that God does all things well? Where is the perfect rest promised?

The hymns of old are so often filled with rich Biblical allusions - take the time and find them and may your soul be strengthened by these words leading you to the fountain of living water.

All of the way my Savior leads me 
What have I to ask beside? 
Can I doubt His faithful mercies? 
Who through life has been my guide 
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort 
Ere by faith in Him to dwell 
For I know whatever fall me 
Jesus doeth all things well 

All of the way my Savior leads me 
And He cheers each winding path I tread 
Gives me strength for every trial 
And He feeds me with the living bread 
And though my weary steps may falter 
And my soul a-thirst may be 
Gushing from a rock before me 
Lo a spring of joy I see 

And all the way my Savior leads me 
Oh, the fullness of His love 
Perfect rest in me is promised 
In my Father's house above 
When my spirit clothed immortal 
Wings it's flight through the realms of the day 
This my song through endless ages 
Jesus led me all the way

Rich Mullins & Beaker play their version of Fanny J. Crosby's classic hymn, "All The Way My Savior Leads Me" at a concert in Holland, 1994.

“It is the spirit of a truly godly [person], to prefer God before all other things, either in heaven or on earth.”

What does that mean for us? How is it that Edwards (this is a continuation from the previous two days) draws the above conclusion?

I think of Colossian 3:1-4: 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

Our life is Christ. Apart from his we have no real life. And we, as we grow in understanding the nature of God, will long for heaven above everything else - and what we long for is to be with God. Edwards brings out Hebrews 11:13-16 where the saints died in faith longing for heaven; longing for a better home.

The main reason why though is because God is there. Heaven “is the place where God is gloriously present, where his love is gloriously manifested, where the godly may be with him, see him as he is, and love, serve, praise, and enjoy him perfectly.” That sounds phenomenal! The heart of the believer is in heaven, because he knows that is where his treasure (God himself) resides.

Edwards goes on to then state that the saint will prefer God above all things on earth. We’ve looked before at Psalm 27:4. There is great longing, but also action of seeking after God. It flows out of a heart that has seen the glory of God and longs for his presence.

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; 

my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, 

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 

2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, 

beholding your power and glory.  (Psalm 63:1,2)

We could turn to the New Testament and Paul’s letter to the Philippian church: 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Phil. 3:7-11)

The longing in those verses is palpable. Paul’s desire is to know and gain Christ. Now here is the reality though - we don’t all feel like this. As Edwards wrote: “The saints are not always in the lively exercise of grace, but such a spirit they have, and sometimes have the sensible exercise of it.” What I believe Edwards was seeking to communicate is that though this is not always felt (or seen) to be the case in us, it truly is the spirit of the saint to prefer God above everything else.

Why is this so important? Well, particularly in this time, when so much has been ripped away, the saint has a solid hope. Edwards wrote: “…whatever changes a godly man passes through, he is happy; because God, who is unchangeable, is his chosen portion…on which he builds as his main foundation for happiness…” The believer can be content in this time of discontent of the world, because our hope has not shifted, has not failed, has not changed…and never will. Our hope and our joy is in the eternal, unchangeable God who sent his only Son for us to redeem us from our sin.  

Here’s a song by Sandra McCracken that, in some sense, calls on our own souls to recognize the goodness and beauty of God.

Call Him Good (Psalm 104) Written by Sandra McCracken, Don Chaffer, Derek Webb From the album "God's Highway" by Sandra McCracken © 2016 Same Old Dress Music...

I want to continue a bit more on what I wrote about yesterday. This is a theme that has been continually coming up in what I have been reading and studying. It all tends to relate back to the presence of God in the life of the believer. I decided to reread an old sermon by Jonathan Edwards called: “God the Best Portion.” Edwards’ message is a deep reflection on Psalm 73:25, yet it also reminded me of Isaiah 26:3.

3 You keep him in perfect peace 

whose mind is stayed on you, 

because he trusts in you. 

This verse is a great promise of God, and we likely think about it in relation to the benefit we receive as believers - kept in perfect peace. However, I think the point is that the believer is looking to and trusting God alone. The believer is longing for God and his presence. Just a few verses later in that chapter we read:

8 In the path of your judgments, 

O LORD, we wait for you; 

your name and remembrance 

are the desire of our soul. 

9 My soul yearns for you in the night; 

my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. 

The soul of the believer yearns for God and his presence - because we know that the presence of the holy, infinite, eternal, unchangeable, gracious, good God is our good. Knowing who God is should draw us to him more and more. I think of our Larger Catechism question 7: “What is God?” The answer is this:

God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, everywhere present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. (see also the Confession Chapter 2)

And to be honest, as good as that definition is, it cannot touch the depth and breadth of who God truly is. God is a God worth seeking, worth knowing, worth loving. He is the one for whom our souls should yearn. And as we get to know the God revealed in Scripture and most gloriously manifested to us in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, we cannot help but long for him. This God who gave himself for us to save us from our sins is our only true and lasting satisfaction and portion in all of life. The saint cannot be satisfied with anything less than God. That reminds me of a quote by Burroughs as well as one by Edwards from this message (and I may take another post to reflect a bit more on this message)

“Therefore you will observe, that whatever God may give to a gracious heart, a heart that is godly, unless he gives himself it will not do. A godly heart will not only have the mercy, but the God of that mercy as well; and then a little matter is enough in the world, so be it he has the God of the mercy which he enjoys.” ~ Burroughs

“Offer a saint what you will, [but] if you deny him God, he will esteem himself miserable. God is the center of his desires; and as long as you keep his soul from its proper center, it will not be at rest.“ ~ Edwards

Here is a song about longing for God’s presence by Shane and Shane.

The nearness of God is the greatness goodness we can experience while we reside on the planet earth. We want to not only know about God the Father, Son, and ...

It seems as though restless is becoming an apt word to describe people in our country (and perhaps throughout the world). We are seeing stories of protests all over the country clamoring for the ‘shelter in place’ orders to be lifted. And though it’s becoming more and more apt, I think it is simply becoming more and more visible. Naturally we are restless people. It was the great theologian Augustine who wrote in his Confessions: “Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.”

This is a truth that has been set forth throughout Scripture. Our hearts wander and pursue other places of refuge. In Isaiah 30 we see the prophet call out Israel for its stubbornness in continuing to look to Egypt for its salvation. They sought refuge in Pharaoh rather than in the Lord. This was the sign of a rebellious people. They even called out for the prophets to speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions (Isaiah 30:10).

And yet in all of this we see in verse 15 a spotlight shining brightly on the heart of God.

15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; 

in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” 

The call is to return; to repent. The people of Israel were called to repent of their trust in what cannot save. They were called to return and rest in the Lord alone. It is a call to faith in the Lord, and in the Lord alone. There is no one who can deliver the salvation that God’s people long for but God himself. And it is in God alone - in our quietness and trust in him that we shall find strength.

When we turn and rest, and trust in our Lord we will sing with the words of Exodus 15:1-18 and Isaiah 12 (see verse 2 below).

2 “Behold, God is my salvation; 

I will trust, and will not be afraid; 

for the Lord GOD is my strength and my song, 

and he has become my salvation.” 

But you were unwilling…These are the sad words that complete Isaiah 30:15. The people instead ran to other places of refuge (all that would fail). Let us learn from history and not be people unwilling. Let us be people who trust…who have faith…who repent of our false gods (idols, other sources of trust and refuge). Let us learn to rest. It is hard for us to be still and to trust, especially in the midst of some massive unknowns (but isn’t the unknown the place where our resting in God is actually tested?). This is a time where we feel the heaviness of the unfamiliar and the somewhat scary. But the call remains the same, and so does the heart of our God.

In Isaiah 30:18 we read: Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. Hear the heart of God in that for his children. And hear that same heart in the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:28,29.

28 Come to me, all 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.

Lord, calm our anxious hearts. May we find our rest in You and in You alone.

A song written by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend and featured in the Getty's album "Awaken The Dawn". The song is about being still and trusting in...

I have not always been a fan of thunderstorms. As a child I was horribly afraid. I would have nightmares about tornadoes that were so vivid and frightening. But as I’ve aged, I’ve also grown to appreciate the power and majesty behind a storm. Even last week I sat out on the porch as we had a pretty strong storm roll through this area simply to watch and be in awe. And now I’m trying to teach my children to also appreciate the grandeur in the storm.

Psalm 29 is a psalm about a storm, but more so it is about the God of the storm, and the God who sits enthroned above the the storm. I remember it was the summer of 2000 and I was taking a seminary class while on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU) before heading overseas. And the class I took was on the Psalms and it was taught by Dr. Mark Futato. It was that time that opened my eyes up to the beauty of the Psalter. And Dr. Futato’s favorite psalm to teach on was Psalm 29.

I won’t go through the extent of the psalm but it begins with a call to ascribe, to give glory to the Lord…to give the glory that is due to his name. God is splendid in holiness and majesty and he is due the glory of our praise (and well beyond). And then we see a storm develop. Thunder in the distance. It is powerful and mighty. As it moves across the countryside it shakes the trees and causes the animals to dart for cover. The lightning illuminates the sky.

And the response is that in his temple all cry, “Glory!” (Ps. 29:9c). There is no other appropriate response than to cry out in praise. And then we come to the conclusion.

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; 

the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. 

11 May the LORD give strength to his people! 

May the LORD bless his people with peace! 

The word used for flood is the same used of the flood in Noah’s time. The Lord is not off his throne in a time of absolute chaos. The Lord is enthroned. He reigns. Is the Almighty King of Creation. And this enthronement is forever. There is no end. We do not have to worry about a coup that will knock the Lord off his throne.

And as the enthroned King the Lord (as this psalm points out) does two things: he gives strength to his people and he blesses them with peace. He has the power and the resources to do that. And not only can he, but he does. Read through the first 5 verses of Romans 5 and you will see that. We have peace with God through Christ Jesus, and the Spirit has been poured into our hearts.

In the midst of all we are going through (this seems like the past 4 weeks have lasted a wee bit longer than that) God is on his throne. This is not out of his control. We can rest secure in that fact. And in the fact that God loves his children so deeply that he gave Christ so that we could have our sins dealt with and come and fully worship the God of glory.

Praise To The Lord (Joyful, Joyful) [Acoustic] Recorded Live in Dallas, Texas on 11.22.19 from "Hymns In The Round" https://fanlink.to/HymnsInTheRound - A HU...

Today is Saturday and I slept in - therefore this post is going to be simply an great song. I recently came to know the group CityAlight (they are an Australian church - great lyrics and good music) and we have sang a couple of their songs at church (which I cannot wait to do again). Here is one of my favorites, and I certainly think it applies to our current situation.

Before you play the song - just a reminder - the place we learn the truths in this song is not from this song, but from Scripture. Don’t let the lack of routine in this time keep you from Scripture - let this time drive you more and more into Scripture.

“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me”

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

CityAlight ~ Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me (Lyrics) get "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me" Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2T15n2J Apple Music: https://appl...

Lately I have taken to use the old Book of Common Prayer as an aid in some of my time with the Lord. For the night prayer it begins with “The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.” Then there is a suggested confession of sin (a good practice at the end of the day). But what I want to turn to is the Psalmody - Psalm 4; 31:1-6; 91; 134 (these are all recommended to read at night). In particular I want to look at Psalm 4.

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have given me relief when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?

How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;

the LORD hears when I call to him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?

Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”

7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

In particular I want to highlight verses 6-8. Contextually, the psalmist (David) is in distress - he is in the midst of some pretty troubling circumstances. However, he is also quite confident in the Lord - that the Lord will hear the prayer of the godly (the faithful ones). When we come to verse 6 there is an answer to a taunt of sorts. The insolent insinuate that there is nothing good. Then comes the plea to the Lord: Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD! To have the Lord’s face put upon you is a great blessing (see Numbers 6:25,26). So, in essence, he is making an appeal for the presence of the Lord. And then the statement that is fairly shocking (not shocking as untrue, but shocking as to the weight of it) - that the Lord’s presence has brought more joy in the heart than any abundance of wealth and goods. This is something we confess, but how often do we experience this?

I think as we have had so much pulled away from us in this very strange time that perhaps the Lord is showing us this reality. He is showing us what matters the most. As I’m stuck in our bedroom for who knows how long, I want the joy of the Lord. I want the presence of the Lord and the blessing of that presence.

So as I laid down last night I went to sleep with the promise of verse 8 that is based on the presence of God - and in his presence I (and all his children) can sleep with confidence in the Lord.

It was harder to think of song to go with all this, but this one will work - and I don’t believe you’ll need the lyrics. It’s called “Give Me Jesus” by Fernando Ortega. May this be the cry of our hearts and the basis of our confidence.

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

2 Chronicles 20:12c

This morning I write from my bedroom, not because that’s where I normally enter a post, but because I am self-isolating. Yesterday I began not feeling good (a bit more than the past few days). Later in the afternoon I developed a low grade fever and so I called my doctor (after hours) and I was put on with a triage nurse (who has been overwhelmed the last few weeks). Pretty much having chest pains, sore throat, and the fever puts me in the protocol - even though I don’t recall being exposed to anyone with a confirmed case. Basically, I need to isolate and stay away from the family until I am fever free for 24 hours. There is not a likelihood of being tested, unless I get to the point of having difficulty breathing (it seems a little odd that we are waiting that long for people to get tested).

I think of the end of Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12 - it seems very appropriate at a time like this, because quite simply we can’t control this virus. I don’t even know if what I am experiencing is the virus or the common cold just a bit worse than normal. The unknown is what is hard to handle. And we don’t fully know what to do against this unseen menace, but what I (we) can do is look to God in all things and do my best to follow the guidance of medical professionals. This is certainly a time to look to God (as is every moment of every day). It is in the here and now that we rest on the character of God. I am concerned for my family (more than I am for myself) - particularly the immune compromised and my parents and Erin’s mom.

I had another topic I was thinking about writing on today, but it wasn’t right for the occasion. At this moment in time I feel like I’m being pushed to trust and rest in the mighty hand of God. It is His hand that holds me fast. It is His hand that will never let me go. It is His hand that is keeping my family and the church. It is His hand that is not scrambling over what to do in this situation. It is His hand that is great comfort.

I think of the song “He Will Hold Me Fast.” It is a song that reminds me of great truths. I know myself and I know that left to myself I could go down a path that turns to fear and worry and anxiety - and it could become overwhelming. These words, and Scripture, ground me to what is good and true and beautiful. May it ground you too.

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.
He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
'Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

Yesterday was a good day in my neck of the woods. The sun was shining. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The neighborhood was buzzing with socially distant activity - and that is where the ominous nature of all this still pressed through. There was joy mixed with sorrow. It was again a surreal experience. If you let it, that dichotomy of existence….it could weigh you down.

Even in the midst of a beautiful day, there is still distress. There is trouble. What is going to happen with all of this? What decisions will our leaders make next that deeply affect each and every one of us? So much feels completely out of our control - because it is.

As I was reading in John 16 this morning I was reminded how out of control the disciples felt - and how confused and sorrowful, and certainly weighed down by the prospects of what would come next.

6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

Jesus had told them that he is going away. But then he said something shocking. That it was to their advantage for him to leave. How could that be? How could it be that they would be better off if Jesus, their teacher and Lord, left them? What does he say next? That the Holy Spirit would come. That he would convict the world in various realms. That He, as the Spirit of truth, would guide the disciples into al truth - the truth about Christ and salvation. And the truth that Christ has gone and prepared a place for his children (John 14:1-4).

Now the context of this text is that Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death - for his gruesome crucifixion. It will be a time when the world rejoices in its apparent victory. Jesus says to them: 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

By all accounts, on that Friday it seemed as though Jesus was a bit of a fraud. But soon that day would be seen for the good that it is, because Christ’s death and resurrection secured salvation for all believers. It no longer is a time of mourning (though there is that because of our sin that demanded it), but of great rejoicing. And that joy no one can take way (John 16:22).

Not the rejoicing of the world. Not the uncertainty of life right now. Not the oddities of a virus that no one truly understands. Nothing…no one can take the joy of salvation from Christ’s people.

And then the last words of this chapter: 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

Jesus knows what we need. He knew what the disciples needed to hear. They needed to hear of the work of the Spirit (and all believers have that same Spirit - indwelling us, always with us). They needed to hear that though they would have sorrow (facing reality is good) - they truly can have peace. They needed to hear that though they would experience tribulation in the world, yet Christ has overcome the world. And that is the source and ground and solid foundation of peace.

And as I think about myself, I experience the weighing down of all this. What change will all of this bring about? How is life going to be different. And then I need to return to the place of rest and peace. I am so thankful for the Spirit of God - may He rest upon us all.

Here’s a song for today - “Rest Upon Us” by Caedmon’s Call.

My soul is weary, and my cup is dry,
I am so in need of you,
Though my rightesousness is rags,
Your mercies are new

So Lord, come down to me,
So my heart can see,
How encompassing your grace can be

Holy Spirit, rest upon us,
Breath of God, touch my soul,
Come unfailing love of Jesus,
Rest upon us, rest upon us,

My mind is heavy and my days are long,
I lift my eyes up in the night,
My heart it weighs me down,
But your burden is light,

So Lord, come walk with me
Until my heart believes
All the bounties that your grace can bring

Holy Spirit, rest upon us,
Breath of God, touch my soul,
Come unfailing love of Jesus,
Rest upon us, rest upon us,

I will wait for you
I will wait for you
You rest upon us
Come rest upon us

Information is flying at all of us at a rate that is hard to sustain. And often, it is conflicting information. What exactly is this virus? How is it transmitted? Does hand-sanitizer work or work against our health? Are we flattening the curve? How serious is it? Why aren’t people taking it more serious? What about the economy? Jobs? Will the supply line continue?

There is so much noise that it is hard to find rest. Which seems odd considering most of us are in our homes and can work in our pajamas if we want. Life has slowed down a bit, but yet it still feels hectic. Maybe that’s because so much of it feels unsure and unknown at the moment. What will tomorrow bring? And therefore we are restless. Our minds don’t stop. Our souls are troubled. Even for those who aren’t necessarily worried about the virus - there is still plenty that is cause for trouble.

Our souls need rest.

Psalm 116:7

Return, O my soul, to your rest;

for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

These words are part of a psalm of thanksgiving. The psalmist has seen great trouble and distress. He called out to the Lord for deliverance - and it was found. Just prior to verse 7 we read:

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;

our God is merciful.

The Lord preserves the simple;

when I was brought low, he saved me. (116:5,6)

God revealed his nature and his character as he answered the suffering. He does not stand aloof to all that we are going through. He has entered in to our suffering and pain. That is shown most clearly in the incarnation of our Lord and Savior.

Hebrews 4:14-16:

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

This is a time (as is all time) when we need mercy and grace to help. Let us go to him. And as I think back to Psalm 116:7 - it is the psalmist commanding his own soul to come back to a place of rest. Why? Because God has dealt bountifully. How has he done that? He has saved. In Christ he has saved from eternal trouble all who repent and believe. He is a God who is merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love and truth (Exodus 34:6,7).

Take some time and recount the bountiful ways the Lord has deal with you. How He has blessed you greatly. Speak to your soul the gospel of grace and may it return to rest in the midst of trouble and uncertainty. Our God is a bountiful God.

Here is a great song for this day - this is the bounty of the Lord.

My faith has found a resting place 
From guilt my soul is free 
I trust the Ever-living One 
His wounds shall plead for me. 

I need no other argument 
I need no other plea 
It is enough that Jesus died 
And that He died for me 

My great physician heals the sick 
The lost He came to save 
For me His precious blood He shed 
For me His life He gave 

My heart is leaning on the Word 
The written Word of God 
Salvation by my Savior’s name 
Salvation through His blood