Following the Good Shepherd: The Rest - Day 2: Kerry Shook
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
What troubles you today? No matter what stage of life you are in there will always be tough things to go through. Young or old, single or married, in school or working; there is never a shortage of difficulties. It doesn’t take long to scroll through social media or watch the news to find something to be upset about. We don’t have to travel far to find something wrong either; the reality of our broken world is evident right in our own hearts. We all have our own baggage and hurts that spill over into how we live. In short: life is hard.
Jesus’ mission on this Earth wasn’t to take away all pain and suffering right now. That day will come, Praise God! But Jesus tells us that we are going to have troubles, the point is that these troubles are fleeting and already defeated. It may not feel that way in the moment, but Christ reassures us that the victory is imminent; even going so far as to say “I have overcome the world”. In the verses before, Jesus does not paint a picture of overcoming the world. In John chapters 15 and 16, Jesus shares with His disciples that they will be hated, persecuted, and abandoned. How is this victory? How are the pains and hurts WE feel today suppose to be triumph? Sometimes it feels like The Good Shepherd hasn’t delivered on the ‘good’ part. But we have to remember how short-sighted sheep can be. HE is The Good Shepherd and knows exactly where he is leading us and how best to take care of us.
According to Psalm 23, Jesus wants you to be taken care of, rested, and restored. This is a difficult bridge to gap in our modern world. This gap is being closed by Jesus and is evident the closer we are to the heart of Christ. This comes from resting in the presence of God. Rest is hard to come by for everyone but is vital to connecting to Jesus. Philippians 4:6 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. What a challenge! To not be anxious is one of the hardest commands of the bible! It may seem impossible, but when we realize every anxious thought is an opportunity for prayer, we will become people of prayer and people of rest. We will begin to have a “peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7) when we rest in God. Respite in the middle of the chaos is key to joining Christ in overcoming the world.
No matter what chaotic event has popped up on your radar today; you need a breather. You need moments alone with God. And, if you are like me, you need numerous moments alone with God. Time to offer up anxiety, fears, hurts, trauma, and all kinds of pain. We need long stretches where we don’t have anything to distract us and have ample periods of peace. This can only be done by making time. You must schedule time today, tomorrow, and every other chance to “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalms 91). Find time even now to cast your cares upon The Good Shepherd because He most assuredly cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). That is why Jesus said in John 10:11 (NIV) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He cares enough to die for you, and He cares enough to connect with you right now.